Family calls for justice after 5-year-old boy killed in shooting in Cincinnati

WINTON HILLS, Ohio (WKRC) – The search continues for the person responsible for the shooting at a Winton Hills home that resulted in the tragic death of five-year-old Artagist Stanford III.

The little boy, affectionately known as Arty, died in hospital on Saturday from his injuries.

Donna Gowdy, Arty's grandmother, was sleeping when gunfire erupted at her home and her grandson early Thursday morning.

“I just want justice for my grandson; That’s all I ask,” Gowdy said. “If you know what you know, you have to come out.”

Gowdy described Arty as “the sweetest child” who loved his grandmother very much.

“That was my baby. This is my soldier,” Gowdy said. “He was always happy. A sweet, happy boy.”

The incident has left Gowdy feeling unsafe in her own home.

“This is too much. I don’t even feel safe in my own home,” Gowdy said. “It's hard being here – the memories, my baby, my grandson running around the house.”

This shooting follows another shooting in September, when a 9-year-old girl was grazed by a bullet a few blocks away.

“It’s not safe for anyone,” Gowdy said. “All you hear is gunshots and children getting shot. That is not right.”

Gowdy asked for help finding the person responsible.

“Just help us find the person who did this because my baby needs justice,” Gowdy said. “That’s all I want, is justice for my 5-year-old grandson.”

A growing memorial of candles and balloons now fills the front lawn of Gowdy's home.

“Everyone knows him. Everybody loves him,” Gowdy said. “He will be missed, but he will always be in our hearts.”

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (513)-352-3040.