30-Year-Old Levonte Hyde (Levonte Thebully) Fatally Shot in College Hill, Leaving Community in Shock

On the night of Thursday, February 20, 2025, a chilling act of violence shattered the peaceful atmosphere of the College Hill neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio. Levonte Hyde, a 30-year-old man known to his friends and family by the nickname Levonte Thebully, tragically lost his life after being shot multiple times in a brutal attack that took place in the early hours of the morning. The shooting, which occurred just before 12:30 a.m. in the 1600 block of Pasadena Avenue, has left both the local community and law enforcement grappling with the profound loss and uncertainty surrounding the circumstances of the incident.

The Events Leading Up to the Shooting

At approximately 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, the Cincinnati Police Department received reports of a shooting in the area of Pasadena Avenue, a residential street located in College Hill, a neighborhood known for its close-knit community and quiet residential character. According to eyewitnesses, the attack occurred outdoors, leaving Levonte Hyde vulnerable to the gunfire that would ultimately end his life. Upon arrival, officers were horrified to find Hyde suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, his condition critical. Despite the immediate response from first responders and law enforcement, it was clear that Hyde had been severely injured in what appeared to be a senseless act of violence.

The shooting occurred outside, in the street, where police believe Hyde was confronted by an unknown assailant or group of individuals before being shot. The exact motive for the shooting remains unclear at this time, and investigators are working diligently to piece together the events that led to Hyde’s tragic death. It is not yet known whether this was a targeted attack or a random act of violence.

The Immediate Response and the Fight for Levonte Hyde’s Life

After finding Hyde on the street, officers quickly administered first aid before paramedics arrived at the scene. Given the severity of his injuries, Hyde was transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where medical staff worked tirelessly to save him. Despite their best efforts, the damage caused by the multiple gunshots was too severe, and Levonte Hyde was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.

The news of Hyde’s death spread rapidly through the community, leaving friends, family, and loved ones in a state of shock and disbelief. Those who knew Hyde, whether through his personal relationships or as a member of the local community, expressed profound grief at the loss of a man who was known for his vibrant personality and his warm, magnetic presence.

A Community in Mourning

Levonte Hyde, known affectionately by his friends and family as Levonte Thebully, was a well-loved figure in College Hill. His nickname, “Thebully,” reflected a sense of toughness and resilience, but it also represented his ability to stand out and make his mark on the world around him. Hyde was a man who was known for his loyalty to those he cared about and his unwavering dedication to the people he loved. Friends described him as a caring individual who would do anything to protect those close to him, and his sudden and violent death has left a void in the hearts of many who cherished him.

“Levonte was the type of person who would always look out for you, no matter what. He was like family to me,” said one close friend, who asked to remain anonymous. “We’re all in shock right now. It doesn’t make sense. He didn’t deserve this.”

The shooting has also sparked fear and concern within the College Hill neighborhood, with residents expressing worry about the rising incidence of gun violence in the area. This tragedy is one of many incidents in recent years that has raised questions about public safety and the need for stronger measures to combat violent crime in Cincinnati.

In the wake of the shooting, local organizations and community leaders have begun reaching out to Hyde’s family to offer support during this devastating time. Candlelight vigils and memorial services have been organized in Hyde’s honor, as members of the College Hill community come together to grieve the loss of one of their own.

Investigation Underway

In the aftermath of the shooting, the Cincinnati Police Department has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Hyde’s death. Officers are actively seeking witnesses who may have been in the area at the time of the shooting and are asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Despite ongoing efforts to gather evidence and interview potential witnesses, investigators have yet to identify a suspect or determine a clear motive for the crime.

“We are committed to bringing justice to Levonte Hyde and his family. We will continue to investigate every lead and piece of evidence to uncover the truth behind this senseless act of violence,” said Cincinnati Police Chief, in a statement following the incident.

Authorities have also indicated that they are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby cameras in the hopes of identifying any potential suspects or vehicles involved in the shooting. The lack of any immediate arrests has left many in the community frustrated, as they anxiously await answers.

While the investigation is ongoing, some are raising concerns about what they perceive to be an alarming trend of increasing gun violence in the city. The tragic death of Levonte Hyde serves as another painful reminder of the toll that gun violence takes on communities, particularly in neighborhoods like College Hill, where many residents thought of themselves as being relatively insulated from crime.

The Rise of Gun Violence in Cincinnati

Levonte Hyde’s tragic death is part of a broader pattern of increasing gun violence that has plagued Cincinnati in recent years. According to statistics from the Cincinnati Police Department, the city has seen a steady rise in the number of shootings and homicides in recent years. In 2024, the city recorded its highest number of homicides in over a decade, many of which were related to gun violence. While efforts to combat this issue have included community outreach programs, law enforcement initiatives, and public safety campaigns, the problem persists.

Local leaders are calling for more aggressive measures to address gun violence, including greater investment in community-based programs aimed at reducing crime, improving mental health services, and fostering better relationships between law enforcement and the community. Some community activists have suggested that more needs to be done to address the root causes of violence, such as poverty, lack of access to education, and limited employment opportunities in certain neighborhoods.

In response to the uptick in violence, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval expressed his commitment to addressing the problem head-on. “No family should have to go through what Levonte Hyde’s family is experiencing right now. We will work tirelessly to ensure that violent criminals are held accountable and that our communities are safe for all who live in them,” Pureval stated in a public address after the shooting.

Remembering Levonte Hyde

In the wake of this senseless tragedy, the memory of Levonte Hyde lives on through the stories shared by those who loved him. Friends and family are remembering him not just for the way he was taken from them, but for the person he was during his life. He is being remembered as someone who was always willing to lend a hand, offer support, and be there for his friends and family in their times of need.

“Levonte wasn’t just tough on the outside. He had a big heart. He cared so deeply about the people around him,” said one of his childhood friends. “It’s hard to believe that he’s gone. We’re all still trying to process it.”

Hyde’s death has left a significant void in the lives of those who knew him, and his memory will undoubtedly continue to shape the lives of those who were closest to him. The family, while devastated, has expressed their desire for justice and closure as they navigate the difficult days ahead.

The Call for Justice

As the investigation continues and the search for the person or people responsible for this tragic act of violence goes on, Levonte Hyde’s family is calling for justice. They hope that those responsible will be apprehended swiftly and held accountable for taking the life of a loved one in such a brutal and senseless manner.

In a statement issued by Hyde’s family, they expressed their deep sorrow and thanked the community for its outpouring of support. “Levonte was taken from us too soon, and we are heartbroken. But we are also determined to see that justice is done. We ask anyone who knows anything about what happened to come forward and help bring those responsible to justice.”

As Cincinnati grapples with the pain of another senseless death, the community remains hopeful that the investigation will lead to answers and that the loss of Levonte Hyde will not be in vain. His memory will live on, not just as a victim of violence, but as a reminder of the love and strength he shared with those around him. And in time, his family and friends hope they will find the peace and closure they so desperately need.