16-year-old shot and killed while group records videos for social media, Ohio cops say

A 16-year-old boy was shot and killed while a group of minors were posing with a handgun for social media, Ohio police say.

The teenager brought the gun with him when he visited a home on Dayton’s southwest side on the night of Sunday, Dec. 15, Major Brian Johns, of the Dayton Police Department, said in a press briefing. There were four other juveniles at the home that night, including one who was upstairs playing video games.

Officers received a call about a shooting at the address after 10 p.m. and found a teen with a gunshot wound to the chest, Johns said. He was taken to a hospital where he died.

Investigators learned the group had been “passing” the gun around just before the teen was accidentally shot.

“They’re inside the home, they’re passing the handgun around and taking videos with their phones, I believe for social media,” Johns said.

“One of the juveniles holding the gun accidentally discharged the firearm and struck the victim in the chest, taking his life.”

Johns said that children using guns for social media videos “is an issue we have far too often here in the city of Dayton.”

The Montgomery County Coroner’s office identified the 16-year-old as Tyron Smith, WHIO reported.

Police have not said how the teen got his hands on the gun, or if any charges will be brought.

This story was originally published December 17, 2024 at 9:25 AM with the headline "16-year-old shot and killed while group records videos for social media, Ohio cops say."