An elderly woman died of a gunshot Sunday in northeastern Ohio after someone fired several rounds at a residence.
The incident occurred in Block 3100 of Starlite Street NW, between Lover’s Lane and Southern Boulevard, Warren, Ohio, around 7:30 p.m., WBKN 27 reported. It is the city’s second homicide, according to the outlet.
The lady, 89-year-old Ruth Lewis, was seated on a wheelchair in the house’s living room, planning for her son’s funeral with other family members when one of the bullets fired through the window struck her in the back, the Tribune Chronicle reported. (RELATED: Stray Bullet Nearly Misses 4-Year-Old, Reportedly Shatters His School Lunch Plate)
Mayor Doug Franklin says 88-year-old Ruth Lewis’ death was another senseless killing. https://t.co/MhQsCasJgN
— WDTN (@WDTN) March 2, 2021
911 reportedly received several calls around 7:30 p.m. Witnesses said they heard multiple gunshots with estimates ranging between five to ten. One caller claimed she saw two vehicles rashly driving towards Southern Boulevard at the time of the gunfire, according to Tribune Chronicle.
“This was a senseless death caused by a random bullet. Obviously, she wasn’t the target so it’s so unfortunate, but that just goes to speak to the dangers of just having so many guns in irresponsible hands,” said Mayor Doug Franklin, according to WBKN 27.
Police have not yet disclosed any details, the Tribune Chronicle reported.
Relatives had gathered at the house Monday to mourn Lewis.
“She was full of life, my mom was full of life,” Patricia Lewis Mallory, Lewis’ daughter, told Tribune Chronicle. “She managed to smile through all of that hurt. She was in a wheelchair, she couldn’t walk, she couldn’t talk. But she still managed to show that beautiful smile.”
Lewis was the mother of eight children and had grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who totaled up to a number in the range of 150, according to her family, according to the Tribune Chronicle.