CINCINNATI -- A 9-year-old girl who was shot around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in Mount Auburn died of her injuries early Thursday morning, according to police.
Alexandrea Thompson and her 39-year-old father were both shot in a home on the 2200 block of Burnet Avenue, police said, and authorities transported them both to area hospitals. Emergency crews took the father to University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he is listed in stable condition.
Crews took Alexandrea to Children's Hospital. Police said at the time of the shooting that she was "critically injured." She died later in the night, police said.
Three or four men were seen going into the home where the victims were found and later running away, Assistant Police Chief Paul Neudigate said. He asked anyone with information to tell police.
"It's always a tough day when we have shootings," Neudigate said. "It's even tougher when they're a young child -- truly innocent victims. All life is valuable to us. We put forth a great effort to solve all these shootings, but it even hits home that much more when it's a small child."
Alexandrea was a student at Mount Auburn International Academy. Grief counselors were on hand Thursday for students.
"Alexandrea was an exceptional student. She was a pleasant student. She had a smile that was infectious. She was one of the student leaders at the school -- a model student," Claudia Ehrle, interim director at the school, said. "We are so saddened by this tragic incident."
Carlnetta Flagg-Miles, who attended a prayer vigil in Alexandrea's memory Thursday night, said the girl's death struck her devastatingly close to home -- her son, Charles Flagg, was shot and killed in 2015 by two men attempting to rob him, she said.
"At some point, the killing has to stop," she said. "At some point, the gun violence has to stop. At some point, the people have to put behind them the no-snitching law. At some point, when they see something, they have to say something."
Mayor John Cranley also released a statement offering condolences:
"Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of a child, 9-year-old Alexandrea Thompson, an innocent victim caught in the crosshairs of senseless gun violence," he said. "I offer my most sincere condolences to the family of this little girl and I will continue to pray for them during this very difficult time. Our police department is working ceaselessly to bring those responsible for this murder to justice. At a time when there is very little that can bring this family comfort, I ask that our city join me in praying for Alexandrea and her family."
An investigation is ongoing by the CPD's homicide unit. Police asked anyone with information to call the Criminal Investigation Section at 352-3542 or Crimestoppers at 352-3040 or text “CINTIP” plus a message to CRIMES (274637).
