Police investigate OTR playground shooting

CINCINNATI - A man was found in a pool of his own blood near a children’s playground in the Over-the-Rhine community Saturday morning.

"A passerby called our emergency communications center reporting a person lying on the sidewalk in a pool of blood. District 1 officers responded and found a male black, 36 years of age, deceased at the scene as a result of a single gunshot wound to the head," said Captain Gary Lee with the Cincinnati Police Department.
 
The victim was found near the steps leading up to the Hanna Playground, located near the intersection of Dunlap, Stark and West McMicken streets, around 8:10 a.m. Saturday morning.

"We are fairly confident the shooting did occur at this location," Lee said. "We were not aware of any prior gunshots at this address last night."

The victim was identified as 36-year-old James Crutchfield. No other information about the victim has been released.

Family and friends came by the scene to pay their respects at a makeshift memorial created by Crutchfield's daughter.

"He was the sweetest person in the world," Crutchfield's cousin said.  "He'd give you his shirt off his back if he could.  He had a smile and he knew everybody."

"It was very disturbing to find out that my kids' dad was found murdered like that," said Koffi Miller, the mother of Crutchfield's two children.

Police will continue to canvass the area and collect available information to do a background investigation.

"I just want the world to know that James Crutchfield was a beautiful young man," Crutchfield's cousin said.  "He loved anybody and if anybody can help with funeral expenses or anything, we will appreciate it." This case remains under investigation.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call the Criminal Investigation Section at (513) 352-3542 or CRIMESTOPPERS at (513) 352-3040. You can also text “CINTIP” plus your message to CRIMES (274637). 

Callers may remain anonymous and may receive compensation for their information.

Stay with 9 News and WCPO.com as we continue to update this developing story.

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