Woman Charged with Murder After Fatal Shooting in Walnut Hills

Family remembers victim Diamond Rice as a youth advocate who helped at-risk kids

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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A woman was killed and another woman, Jasmine Blake, is in custody following a shooting last weekend in Cincinnati's Walnut Hills neighborhood. Court records indicate the shooting followed an argument. The victim, 33-year-old Diamond Rice, had moved to the Cincinnati area about a year ago from Baltimore, where she had worked with youth advocacy programs. Her family and colleagues remember her as a "powerful force" who was able to connect with at-risk youth.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in urban communities and the loss of community leaders who work to support vulnerable youth. Rice's work as a youth advocate underscores the importance of programs that provide mentorship and resources to at-risk populations.

The details

According to court records, the shooting occurred on Sunday night on May Street near Burbank in the Walnut Hills neighborhood of Cincinnati. Police found Rice with a gunshot wound and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Jasmine Blake, Rice's girlfriend, was arrested and charged with murder. Blake made her first court appearance on Tuesday and is being held on a $750,000 bond.

  • The shooting occurred on Sunday night.
  • Blake made her first court appearance on Tuesday.

The players

Diamond Rice

A 33-year-old woman who had moved to the Cincinnati area about a year ago from Baltimore, where she had worked with youth advocacy programs. She was killed in the shooting.

Jasmine Blake

The woman who was arrested and charged with murder in connection with the shooting of Diamond Rice.

Scott Rice

Diamond Rice's father, who said he spoke with his daughter around 8:30 p.m. the night of the shooting, discussing a disagreement she had with Blake.

Wanda Sommonds

Diamond Rice's mother, who said the family is seeking answers.

Nate Lett

The director of YAP Hamilton County, who stated that Diamond Rice was a "powerful force" and will be "sorely missed."

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What they’re saying

“A lot of the kids they can't get to, she can. So she was good.”

— Scott Rice, Diamond Rice's father (local12.com)

“It's gonna start to really, really sink in, that I ain't ever gonna talk to her no more.”

— Scott Rice, Diamond Rice's father (local12.com)

“Diamond was a "powerful force" and will be "sorely missed.”

— Nate Lett, Director of YAP Hamilton County (local12.com)

What’s next

The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the vital role that community leaders and youth advocates play in supporting at-risk populations, and the devastating impact that gun violence can have on families and communities.