“Heartbreak in Cincinnati”: 9-Year-Old Cheerleader’s Life Cut Short in Tragic Drive-by Shooting

Published 07/13/2023, 9:50 AM EDT

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A drive-by shooting claimed the life of a vivacious 9-year-old member of the local cheering team, tragically ending her young life and scarring the neighborhood. The occurrence has reignited concerns about gun violence and its devastating effects on innocent lives, leaving friends, family, and the community devastated.

A Life Cut Short by Senseless Violence in Cincinnati

A drive-by gunshot abruptly took the young cheerleader’s life in a residential area, plunging the neighborhood into mourning. The tragedy shows how vital it is to tackle the problem of gun violence and improve community safety measures. Da’Myiah Barton-Pickens was a cheerleader for the West Side Panthers. She was a competitive and fierce person with a free spirit and a cheerful personality.

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Called as the ‘dancing queen’ of her group, she always brightened the mood with her presence and was a beloved member of the team. “These kids are our babies. We don’t look at them as strangers no matter what [their] ethnicity [or] background is or anything. We treat these kids like our own, so this is really super hard, watching girls get coached and then just getting taken away,” said West Side Panthers coach Mariah Miller.

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Demands for justice and change grow

The incident has given rise to a call for change and justice. Community leaders, activists, and concerned individuals are uniting in Cincinnati to call on law enforcement to take immediate action. The goal is to avoid more needless acts of violence in addition to bringing the culprits to justice. The loss of a young life in such a manner underscores the need for comprehensive measures to address gun violence. It serves as a reminder that communities must work together to create safer environments, fostering dialogue, and implementing strategies that promote peace and security.

Witnesses and community members have joined forces to share any information that might aid in the investigation. Cooperation and solidarity have become crucial in the collective effort to hold those responsible accountable for their actions and prevent further tragedy. In tribute and celebration of her life, the Panthers are organizing a balloon release for the community at Ryan Sports Complex in Westwood. The organizers instruct the attendees to bring blue, black, and white balloons.

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Local organizations, community leaders have come together to collaborate and provide support and counseling services to the grieving family and the affected cheerleading team in the wake of this devastating incident. The outpouring of love, support, and condolences from the community has been overwhelming, reflecting the deep impact this loss has had on everyone’s hearts. In conclusion, the loss of a vibrant 9-year-old cheerleader in a senseless drive-by shooting has left the local community in mourning. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence on innocent lives.

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Written by:

Allen James

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Allen David James is a writer covering viral sports moments at EssentiallySports. A Mass Communication graduate, specialized in Journalism, his love and passion for the game of cricket has led him to different junctures in life and brought out immense emotion and drive for a mildly calm individual. Apart from cricket, singing and playing badminton are two activities that help him break away from the pressures of work and deadlines! Here he is now, a content writer, creator and broadcaster, trying to make his way in this wonderful world of sports, where tough never rest!
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