CINCINNATI —A Cincinnati mother is recovering from a gunshot wound after police say Elijah Moody, the father of her children, opened fire on her during a custody exchange late Thursday night. The shooting happened in the driveway of Moody’s home on Kearney Avenue in the Hartwell neighborhood, around 10 p.m., according to the Cincinnati Police Department.
Court records and police reports reveal that the victim had just strapped the couple’s children into their car seats and was preparing to get behind the wheel when Moody allegedly fired multiple shots at her, striking her in the right shoulder.
Despite her injury, the woman managed to drive away from the scene with the children safely inside the vehicle. She then called 911 and continued driving to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where she is now being treated for what authorities describe as a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.
District 4 officers responded quickly, locating and arresting Moody a short time later. According to criminal complaints filed in Hamilton County, Moody is now facing felonious assault and domestic violence charges. He was booked into the Hamilton County jail at 2:05 a.m. Friday and is scheduled to make his first court appearance at 9 a.m.
Police have not released details on what may have led up to the shooting but confirmed that the children were not physically harmed during the incident. However, authorities emphasized that any act of gun violence in the presence of children is a serious and alarming offense.
“Incidents like this are deeply troubling, not only because of the physical harm caused but because of the emotional trauma inflicted on the children who witness it,” a Cincinnati Police spokesperson said.
The victim’s family members say they are thankful she is expected to recover physically but remain concerned about the long-term impact on her and the children. Domestic violence advocacy organizations in Cincinnati are reminding the public that help is available for those experiencing unsafe situations at home.
Moody remains in custody at the Hamilton County jail as the investigation continues. Police are urging anyone with additional information about the shooting to contact District 4 detectives.
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