CINCINNATI — One year since Shauna Gardner was struck and killed by a stray bullet while inside her Avondale apartment, her case remains unsolved.
Those who knew the mother of four still can’t believe she’s gone. Her younger sister, Shalonda Ridley, laments the fact that this year could go on record as Cincinnati’s most violent.
On Thursday night, Ridley and family gathered to remember Gardner, though she’s never far from their minds.
“Struggling with just getting through this, the loss of my sister, Shauna. It’s been a lot. It’s been very emotional,” she said.
MORE: Avondale woman shot in her apartment was 'a very sweet soul,' a loving mother
A bullet from outside struck and killed Gardner while she sat in her Prospect Place apartment on the afternoon of Sept. 10, 2019. It remains unclear if the shooting was a targeted attack or if Gardner had been an unintended casualty. A year later, police have no suspects.
With the pain of losing a loved one to gun violence at the top of her mind, Ridley called the recent spike in violence in Cincinnati disheartening. According to Cincinnati police, there have been more than 68 homicides in the city this year. There were 53 homicides after the first eight months of 2019, according to police data.
“We’re 365 days out and it’s getting worse,” she said. “It’s getting worse, and it’s not going to stop.”
Ridley is now appealing to communities to step up, and hopes those responsible for her sister’s death will come forward.
“It’s time to turn yourself in," she said. "It’s time to turn yourself in."
Anyone with information that could help solve Gardner’s case is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (513) 352-3040.
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