CINCINNATI — A 17-year-old high school student is dead after being shot multiple times in Westwood early Tuesday morning, according to Cincinnati police.
The Cincinnati Police Department said that they received a ShotSpotter alert around 1:30 a.m. in the 3000 block of Percy Avenue, and officers arrived at the scene several minutes later.
Officers also said the SpotSpotter alert recorded 14 shots fired.
We counted more than a dozen bullet holes scattered across the front of the home, many of which were concentrated around the front door.
CPD said when officers arrived at the scene, they found 17-year-old Jayshawn Cornelius inside a house, who was shot multiple times. According to police, he died at the scene.
"He used to always help the other kids out, walk them to the store because they were too young. He wasn't involved with drugs — none of the street life. He was a good kid, smart, good in school. So, it's a big loss," said neighbor Scott Ostenkamp.
Hear more from Ostenkamp in the video below:
He stopped by the home during a work break Tuesday afternoon. Ostenkamp said Cornelius lived there with his mother and siblings.
Ostenkamp's son is friends with Cornelius' younger brother. Ostenkamp said he'd known Cornelius since he was 10 years old.
"He was a great guy. He was really good at sports. He would always be out here with the younger kids hanging out with them, making sure they were good, making sure they stayed out of the street," Ostenkamp said. "I mean, they have the greatest mom in the world. So, I can't even imagine what she's going through."
Shell casings were found outside; police told us this indicated that Cornelius was shot from outside the home, and the bullets went inside.
Joe Wessels with Cincinnati Public Schools said Cornelius was a student at Hughes STEM High School.
CPS released a statement Tuesday afternoon:
"Cincinnati Public Schools mourns the death of a Hughes STEM High School student, Jayshawn Cornelius. We recognize this tragic event, and our sympathy and support remain with the family, friends and school community. CPS has counselors available, encouraging families to contact the school for assistance if needed."
CPD has not released any specific suspect information.
Officers said they believe it is one person who shot into the home and left in a vehicle, but are still trying to determine if that person was alone.
"I didn't see it coming, honestly. They're not that type of people. (I'm) trying to figure out who did it so they can get caught," Ostenkamp said. "I mean, they killed a kid. I don't care if he's 17 years old and people look at him as a man. He was a kid. It's horrible."
According to CPD, officers have multiple witnesses to interview.
