2 teenagers dead, 3 wounded in shooting at Cincinnati park

CINCINNATI — Two teenagers are dead after apparently exchanging gunfire that wounded three others at a downtown Cincinnati park where hundreds of teens were gathered late on the Fourth of July, police said.

It’s possible others were involved in the conflict Sunday at Smale Park, but police aren’t searching for any other particular suspects, Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot Isaac said Monday.

Sixteen-year-old Milo Watson died at the scene, and 19-year-old Dexter Wright Jr. died later at a hospital, police said. Isaac said the two had some sort of preexisting dispute that preceded the shooting.

A statement from Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley regarding last night's deadly shooting at Smale Park. A 19 & 16-year-old were killed, among other injuries. pic.twitter.com/jgfc7FQ5Qs

— Ashley Kirklen (@AKirklen) July 5, 2021

It occurred shortly before 11 p.m. as officers were working to clear out the riverfront park before its closing time. A 17-year-old girl was shot in the back and left in critical condition, and two other teenagers had gunshot wounds to their arms, according to police.

Police said they were seeking information from anyone who witnessed the shooting or has video of what happened.

What a juxtaposition.

As Smale Park Manager Casey McCann sprays and scrubs down part of the park where the deadly shooting took place...families gather at the park. Just like they do every other sunny day in Cincinnati. Most I’ve talked to didn’t know about the shooting. @WLWT pic.twitter.com/8cSspyLCKU

— WLWT Meredith Stutz (@MeredithWLWT) July 5, 2021

Amber Gray told WXIX-TV she was at the park with her son when the gunfire erupted.

“We heard screaming … we heard more shots, and we saw everyone running and screaming,” she said, adding that she grabbed her son and ran to her car to get away.

Police Lt. Col. Lisa Davis said about 400 to 500 teenagers were at the park at the time.