3 people found dead in Avondale apartment identified

CINCINNATI (FOX19) - Cincinnati police have identified the three victims who were found dead in a “very disturbing” scene inside an Avondale apartment on Wednesday.

Officers responded to the 3600 block of Irving Street near Forest Avenue after 9:30 a.m.

The bodies of Darius Parker, 27, Javona Coleman, 30, and Genaro Gray, 31, appeared to have been inside the apartment for a while, police say.

All three suffered apparent gunshot wounds, police say, but the circumstances surrounding the shootings were not immediately clear.

According to police spokesman Lt. Steve Saunders, children in the area were reportedly saying they found the bodies in the apartment.

Saunders called the situation and scene as “very disturbing, very heart-wrenching."

Darius’ aunt, Darlene Parker, said he was crazy about his family.

“I’m just trying to be strong for everybody. . . I’m trying to be strong for my family," explained Darlene. "I’m devastated at the same time but I’m just trying to be strong.”

Police have not released the relationship between the victims or a possible motive.

“There’s just so much violence and I just hate that it’s ongoing - it needs to stop," Darlene stated. "The violence here has gone through the roof and we’re all praying that it will end soon because no family should have to go through this... there are families here that are hurting.”

Saunders is asking for anyone with information to contact Cincinnati police.

“We need the assistance of the community,” he said.

Copyright 2020 WXIX. All rights reserved.