Allen Scott

Allen Scott, a 50-year-old White male musician and artist from Cincinnati, Ohio, was a beloved figure in the local heavy metal scene. A Northern Kentucky native, Scott had lived in Cincinnati for over a decade and was known for his work in bands like Opium Doom Cult and Thorns of the Carrion. Friends described him as a kind, peaceful, and happy person who was always willing to help others, a genuine friend who would be deeply missed.

On the morning of February 6, 2025, Scott was fatally shot in what began as an attempted robbery at his apartment building on West McMicken Avenue, on the border of the West End and Over-the-Rhine neighborhoods. Around 11 a.m., a teenage assailant confronted Scott and his landlord on the second floor, pointing a pistol at them and demanding money. When Scott attempted to close his apartment door to get to safety, the teen fired a shot through the door, striking him. The shooter then fled between buildings. Emergency responders arrived and performed life-saving measures, but Scott was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Cincinnati Police Department’s Homicide Unit launched an investigation, and on February 17, 2025, the Fugitive Apprehension Squad arrested a 17-year-old suspect. The teen, who had no prior criminal record or school disciplinary issues, was initially charged with murder and aggravated robbery. Court documents later revealed that he was also accused of robbing a 70-year-old person at gunpoint on the same day that Scott was killed.

The suspect was identified as 17-year-old Devian Stephens. His charges were updated to include aggravated murder, felonious assault, and two counts of aggravated robbery. In June 2025, a juvenile court judge determined there was probable cause to try Stephens as an adult. He was bound over to the Hamilton County court system to face the charges and is being held on a $450,000 bond. As of June 2025, the case was proceeding through the adult court system.