Last Update: 7:42 am
Police Make Arrest In Mother's Slaying
Woman Shot, Killed While Holding Baby In Mt. Airy
CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Police Department has made an arrest in connection to the murder of a mother and the shooting of her three-week-old infant.
Officers were called to the 5100 block of Hawaiian Terrace off Colerain Avenue in Mt. Airy early Thursday morning. They found Kelli Walton, 26, shot to death inside an apartment and her baby nearby.
Investigators say the young mother, who was also a member of the National Guard, was holding her baby in her arms when she was shot in her apartment.
On Thursday afternoon, officers arrested Shamon McDavis, an ex-boyfriend of Walton. McDavis, 28, is charged with Walton's murder and felonious assault of the infant.
Investigators say they got the 911 call after one of Walton's children woke up from hearing a noise. The child woke up their grandmother who then discovered her own daughter had been shot.
Cincinnati Police Capt. Michael Neville says the baby suffered only slight wounds to the head after being grazed by the same bullets that killed her mother.
The child was taken to Cincinnati Children's Hospital for treatment and is expected to be fine.
Relatives say Walton's other children, who are 2, 5 and 9 years of age, were home at the time of the shooting.
Relatives say McDavis is the father of two of Walton's children and that he and Kelli were high school sweethearts.
"They were high school sweethearts and we're just shocked. We thank God its been resolved and we know who did it. We don't know why and we just want everybody to pray for us," said Felita Blair, Walton's cousin.
"She was going to do things with her life. It's just not fair. It's shocking because I would have never thought he could do something like that," added Blair.
It didn't take long for outrage to emerge. Arthur Phelps passed out fliers reminding Walton's neighbors there are rewards for helping police, and it's not all about the money.
"Stop the shooting. Stop the killing. Somewhere along the line you have to stand up. What's going on and what's right? You've got to do the right thing for the right reason. This killing has got to stop. We have to stop killing each other," said Phelps.
"The family's having a hard time right now. But that's what we need, to be together. We need to be respected. Our wish is to be by ourselves right now," said Blair.
Walton's family said she was looking forward to a bright future with her children and was going to start a new medical job on Saturday. She was described as a loving mother, daughter and a dedicated Army National Guard member.
The other children are with their grandparents.
McDavis is currently behind bars at the Hamilton County Justice Center.
If you have any information about this crime, please call Crime Stoppers at (513) 352-3040. Text tips to CRIMES (2-7-4-6-3-7) with "CINTip:" at the beginning of the message. You don't have to give your name and you may be eligible for a reward if your tips lead to an arrest.
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