Gun sale, robbery led to 17-year-old’s death, court docs say

CINCINNATI (FOX19) - Juvenile court documents shed light on the circumstances surrounding the death of a 17-year-old girl Friday in East Price Hill.

Aurora McCarter and another person allegedly met with a 16-year-old to purchase a gun the suspect was selling, the documents say.

The suspect ended up robbing McCarter and the other person, in the process shooting the 17-year-old. She would later die at Mercy Health - Queen City Medical Center, according to police.

McCarter, a rising senior at Purcell-Marian High School, had been in the CPD Summer Cadet Program until she resigned without giving a reason sometime prior to July, according to CPD Officer Malynda Jordan.

The cadet program gives students ages 16-19 the opportunity to work part-time for the police department. Cadets are paid $10.70/hour and receive training on patrolling techniques, police ethics and radio procedures.

McCarter was a standout in more ways than one, say the officers who got to know her.

“When I say she was a ray of sunshine and she would brighten up anyone’s day... she gained so many friendships, she could get along with anyone,” Jordan recalled. “She could walk in the room and meet a new friend and it would seem like she’s known them forever.”

“We look at all these kids like our own,” Officer Robert Pope added. “It’s a hard pill to swallow, you know, when someone has so much potential and they’re not able to spread their wings because some malice like this has happened.”

Golf Manor police reported McCarter missing as an endangered runaway in early July. Her death occurred a little more than a month later in East Price Hill.

“It was really tough,” Officer Carrie Hollyfield said. “You know, I broke down. I was really upset, and you know, I still get upset, because she was such a good girl. She truly was a good, good girl.”

McCarter will be missed by her cadet class as well.

“Everyone loved Aurora,” Jordan said. “And when they found out the news about their fellow cadet, oh... their hearts were broken.”

The 16-year-old suspect is charged with aggravated murder. He was scheduled to appear in court virtually this morning, but the judge postponed the hearing until Aug. 25.