Shilynn Alford was 15 when she was shot inside an apartment on the 6300 block of Woodland Avenue in Cleveland on November 23, 2024. She was babysitting her nephew at the time. Emergency responders took her to a nearby hospital, and she died of her injuries two days later.

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with two counts of murder, two counts of felonious assault, and tampering with evidence. Authorities identified the suspect as Shilynn’s boyfriend; he told investigators the shooting was accidental and is being held in the Cuyahoga County Detention Center. Cleveland’s homicide division is leading the ongoing investigation.

Shilynn had celebrated her 15th birthday on November 5. Family and friends remembered her as a loving sister and aunt who loved basketball and drawing and often spent time at the Michael J. Zone Recreation Center, where they held a vigil. Her family has also launched a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses.

If anyone knew Shilynn or has information about what happened that night, please come forward to assist the investigation.