Levonte Hyde, 30, Killed by His Girlfriend’s 15-Year-Old Son After Alleged Physical Abuse

Cincinnati, OH – February 2025 — In a tragic and complex turn of events, a 15-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of Levonte Hyde, 30, after an alleged violent altercation between Hyde and the boy’s mother. According to Cincinnati police, the shooting took place early Thursday morning on the 1600 block of Pasadena Avenue in the College Hill area.

Hyde, who had been in an abusive relationship with the mother of the 15-year-old, was found dead in his car after being shot multiple times. Investigators say that the shooting followed a heated exchange between Hyde and the teen’s mother, who had reportedly been physically assaulted by Hyde before the incident.

The mother, who is the sole surviving parent of the teenager, has two other children with Hyde, but the 15-year-old is not his biological son. Authorities have indicated that the violent confrontation began when Hyde allegedly called the mother derogatory names, including a “ho,” before striking her in the face.

According to police reports, the teenager, who had been in the home at the time of the assault, is believed to have acted in defense of his mother. In an attempt to protect her, the boy is said to have retrieved a firearm and fired 12 rounds at Hyde, ultimately killing him while he was seated inside his car.

This tragic incident marks the end of a tumultuous relationship filled with allegations of domestic violence. The 15-year-old now faces charges of murder in connection with Hyde’s death. The boy’s defense attorney has indicated that the teenager’s actions were driven by a desire to protect his mother from further harm.

A History of Abuse

The relationship between Hyde and the mother of the 15-year-old has been described as abusive, with multiple incidents of violence in the past. Neighbors have expressed their concerns about the situation, noting frequent arguments and reports of physical confrontations. It is unclear how long the boy had been exposed to the violence, but it is evident that the family had been living in fear.

Authorities are still investigating the nature of the relationship and whether other factors, such as prior threats or actions by Hyde, played a role in the shooting. The identity of the weapon used by the teenager has not been disclosed at this time.

Family members of the victim have expressed their sorrow at the loss of Levonte Hyde, though many are also grappling with the tragic reality that the abuse came to a violent end. The mother of the teenager, whose name has not been publicly disclosed, is said to be devastated by the situation. While she is reportedly heartbroken over the death of Hyde, she has also struggled with the challenges of an abusive relationship and the toll it took on her and her children.

Community Reactions

The shooting has sparked a range of reactions in the Cincinnati community. Advocates for domestic violence victims have pointed to the case as a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by those in abusive relationships. Many are also calling for more support for victims of domestic violence, especially those who may feel trapped in dangerous situations with no way out.

Local leaders have expressed their condolences for both families involved, emphasizing the importance of addressing the underlying issues of domestic violence and providing resources for victims before situations escalate to violence.

Legal Proceedings

As the investigation continues, the 15-year-old boy faces serious legal consequences. He has been charged with murder and is currently being held in custody. His defense team is expected to argue that his actions were a result of the abusive environment he and his family had been living in. A court date has been scheduled for later this month, and the case is likely to bring attention to the difficult and sometimes tragic choices faced by children in abusive households.

A Community in Mourning

The Cincinnati community remains in shock over the events that transpired early Thursday morning. While many express sympathy for the victim’s family, others are heartbroken over the loss of a life that, for all its turmoil, ended violently. Domestic violence is an ongoing issue that impacts families across the country, and this case has opened up difficult conversations about what can be done to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

As for the surviving family members, including the two young children Hyde had with their mother, they now face the painful task of moving forward after a series of traumatic events that have left them forever changed. They must grapple with the loss of both a father and the violent end of a turbulent relationship, while also navigating the criminal charges that now hang over their son.