CINCINNATI — A shooting in Cincinnati’s Walnut Hills neighborhood has led to the death of a 33-year-old woman and the arrest of her partner following a heated argument. Authorities discovered Diamond Rice with a gunshot wound on Sunday evening along May Street, where she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Jasmine Blake, Rice’s girlfriend, has been charged with murder and made her initial court appearance on Tuesday. She is currently being held at the Hamilton County Justice Center on a bond set at $750,000.
According to court documents, the tragic incident stemmed from a dispute between the two women. Rice’s family shared that she recently relocated to Cincinnati from Baltimore, where she had been involved in youth advocacy. Her father, Scott Rice, expressed heartbreak over the loss of his daughter, emphasizing her dedication to helping young people.
A witness to the family’s grief, Scott Rice recounted their last conversation, which took place shortly before the shooting. He noted they discussed a disagreement involving Blake, and he later received the devastating news from law enforcement. Rice’s mother, Wanda Sommonds, articulated the family’s struggle to comprehend the sudden tragedy, seeking answers to their many questions.
In a poignant tribute, about 100 people gathered in Baltimore to honor Rice’s life. Family members reflected on her impact, with Scott Rice saying that the reality of her death is only beginning to hit him. “It’s gonna start to really sink in that I won’t ever talk to her again,” he lamented.
Nate Lett, the director of YAP Hamilton County, spoke highly of Rice, labeling her a “powerful force” in the community and expressing that her presence will be greatly missed. As the investigation into the shooting continues, authorities are piecing together the events that led to this tragic outcome in the neighborhood.
The incident has sparked discussions on domestic violence and the challenges faced by individuals in tumultuous relationships. Community members hope that increased awareness will help prevent such tragedies in the future.