In the early hours of Thursday, February 20, 2025, tragedy struck the quiet streets of Cincinnati’s College Hill neighborhood, leaving a community in mourning and a family grappling with an irreplaceable loss. Levonte Hyde, a 30-year-old man known to friends and loved ones as “Levonte Thebully,” was fatally shot multiple times in an incident that has shaken residents and sparked urgent questions about safety and violence in the area. Cincinnati Police Department officers were dispatched to the 1600 block of Pasadena Avenue around 12:30 a.m. after receiving reports of gunfire piercing the stillness of the night. Upon arriving at the scene, they discovered Hyde gravely wounded, his body riddled with bullets, lying in the street where the violence unfolded.
The discovery was a harrowing one for the responding officers, who quickly worked to secure the area and ensure Hyde received medical attention. He was rushed to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, a facility renowned for its trauma care, in a desperate bid to save his life. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, Hyde succumbed to his injuries, marking yet another life cut short by gun violence in the city. The news of his death sent ripples of grief through College Hill, a neighborhood known for its tight-knit community and historic charm, now marred by this senseless act.
Police have confirmed that the shooting took place outdoors, specifically in the street, though the circumstances leading up to the incident remain shrouded in uncertainty. Investigators have yet to release details about what may have precipitated the gunfire—whether it was a targeted attack, a random act, or the result of an altercation gone horribly wrong. As of now, no suspects have been taken into custody, though authorities are actively pursuing leads and questioning individuals who may shed light on the events of that fateful night. The lack of immediate answers has only deepened the anguish felt by those who knew Hyde and the broader community left to process this loss.
Levonte Hyde was more than just a name in a police report; he was a son, a friend, and a presence in College Hill whose nickname, “Thebully,” hinted at a personality that left an impression. While little has been publicly shared about his life in the immediate aftermath of his death, the outpouring of sorrow from those close to him suggests a man whose absence will be deeply felt. His death at 30 years old underscores the stark reality of violence that continues to claim young lives, a persistent challenge in Cincinnati and cities across the nation.
The Cincinnati Police Department’s Homicide Unit has taken charge of the investigation, working tirelessly to piece together the sequence of events that led to Hyde’s demise. Authorities have appealed to the public for assistance, urging anyone with information to come forward and help bring justice to a grieving family. The scene on Pasadena Avenue, now a somber reminder of the night’s tragedy, was meticulously examined by forensic teams in the hours that followed, as officers canvassed the area for witnesses and evidence.
College Hill, nestled in the northwest part of Cincinnati, is a neighborhood with a rich history and a diverse population. Its tree-lined streets and historic homes belie the struggles it has faced with crime over the years, struggles that Hyde’s death has brought into sharp focus once again. Community leaders and residents alike are left wrestling with how to respond—whether through calls for increased police presence, community outreach, or broader efforts to address the root causes of such violence.
As the sun rose over Cincinnati on Thursday morning, the city awoke to the news of yet another life lost too soon. For Hyde’s family and friends, the day marked the beginning of a painful journey through grief, compounded by the uncertainty of an ongoing investigation. For the wider public, it served as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need to confront the violence that continues to plague communities. The Cincinnati Police Department remains committed to uncovering the truth behind this tragedy, but for now, the streets of College Hill bear the weight of a sorrow that words alone cannot fully capture.