A tragic incident unfolded in Covington on Tuesday when a shooting took place, resulting in the death of a 14-year-old boy. Police responded to Decoursey Avenue, near 39th Street, around 3:30 p.m. after receiving a report of a shooting with multiple victims.

Upon arrival, officers discovered that two individuals, both 14 years old, had been shot and immediately transported them to the hospital for medical treatment. Sadly, 14-year-old Amani Smith was pronounced dead at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, while the other victim, a girl, remains in stable condition. The identity of the girl has not been released publicly.

In a shocking turn of events, police confirmed on Wednesday that a 17-year-old has been taken into custody in connection with the shooting. The teenager has been charged with murder, but authorities are withholding their name due to their age. The suspect is currently being held at the Campbell Co. Regional Juvenile Detention Center.

The parents of the deceased 14-year-old boy allege that their son was not the intended target but rather an unintended casualty in an ambush attack aimed at his older brother. The details surrounding the incident remain under investigation, and authorities are working to unravel the circumstances leading up to the tragedy.

The Covington community was deeply affected by the shooting, leading local schools to take precautions. School officials at Latonia Elementary School received guidance from the Covington police to shelter in place at approximately 3:34 p.m. as a result of the shooting activity in the vicinity. While the after-school program at the school proceeded normally once the scene was secured, officials are committed to supporting students coping with the emotional aftermath of this tragic event.

In a statement released by Covington Independent Public Schools superintendent Alvin J. Garrison, it was acknowledged that children's reactions to such a tragedy would vary. The district plans to provide support by engaging with students on Wednesday to help them address their feelings. The statement urged parents to encourage their children to speak with a member of the school's team, emphasizing the importance of continued attendance at school for access to counseling resources.

The loss of the 14-year-old boy has left friends and loved ones devastated. Xander Faehr, a close friend, expressed his disbelief, recalling that he had recently spoken with the victim and spent time together just days before the tragic incident. Faehr emphasized that his friend did not deserve such a fate.

Eyewitness Holly Releford recounted the heartbreaking scene, stating that she had heard the chaos from inside her home. Rushing outside, she witnessed the boy lying on the ground, gasping for air, with blood visible from a wound on the back of his head. Releford's attempt to approach the victim was halted by a concerned acquaintance, who recognized her state of shock and pulled her back.

As the investigation continues, the community of Covington mourns the loss of a young life. The focus now remains on seeking justice for the victim and providing support for those affected by this tragic event.