A quiet evening in Xenia, Ohio, turned into a nightmare Friday night when a teenage boy and his 12-year-old sister were shot in front of their mother, leaving both children in critical condition and the local community reeling.
According to a statement released by the Xenia Police Division, officers responded to a report of a triple shooting around 6:15 p.m. on April 4 in the 100 block of Hivling Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered three victims suffering from gunshot wounds. All were transported to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment.
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The 911 call, police said, came from a woman who reported that someone had opened fire on her, her teenage son, and two juveniles. While authorities have not officially released the names of those involved, online posts suggest the victims are members of the Valenzuela family.
“We do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public at this time,” Xenia PD assured in their statement, though the investigation into the incident remains active. In a heartfelt Facebook post that has since been shared widely, Tiffany Valenzuela identified herself as the mother of the two young victims. She described the traumatic experience and the grave condition of her children, both of whom have undergone emergency surgeries and are currently listed in critical condition.
A family friend has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Tiffany and her children as they begin a long road to recovery. The fundraiser, which has a goal of $12,000, aims to help cover medical expenses, household bills, and other necessities while the single mother remains by her children’s sides.
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“Hello! I am creating this GoFundMe for a very dear friend, Tiffany Valenzuela, who has experienced a tragedy that no mother should ever have to experience,” the campaign description reads. “She was in her home Friday evening when she and two of her children were violently attacked at gunpoint. Her 16-year-old son was shot as well as her 12-year-old daughter.”
The message continues: “To know this woman is to love her; she is an amazing mother and put herself through nursing school to provide for her children. She is going to be out of work for a while. Any donations will go to her to pay bills and for her to be able to provide for her children during this time. If you can’t donate, please pray and share.” As of publication, the fundraiser had received $1,038 from 12 donors. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.
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