Benjamin Addison: Cincinnati student fatally shot while trying to prevent car theft, devastated parents call it ‘horrible dream’

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

CINCINNATI, OHIO: Police are on the lookout for individuals believed to have fatally shot a 21-year-old college student during an interrupted car theft on March 30, 2024.

Additional details about the theft have surfaced from friends of the victim, Benjamin Addison. They have also disclosed the exchange between Addison and the two purported suspects. 

Following the tragic news of her son's murder, Addison's mother expressed profound sorrow, acknowledging the unfathomable loss of having to continue her life without her son, as Law&Crime, reported.

Police responds to crime scene

Cincinnati police responded to reports of a shooting in the vicinity of the 2000 block of Highland Avenue, at approximately 2.15 am, situated near downtown . 

Upon arrival, officers discovered a male, later identified as Benjamin Addison, suffering from a gunshot wound. Tragically, Addison was pronounced deceased by the Cincinnati Fire Department upon their arrival.

While authorities have not disclosed further details and no arrests have been made, Addison's parents have spoken out.

According to them, Addison and some friends were enjoying a night out when he realized he might have left the car headlights on.

They proceeded to find out if the headlights were on, only to find two individuals inside the vehicle. Allegedly, Addison confronted one of the individuals, prompting the other to exit the car and shoot him. The suspects then fled following the shooting.

Reportedly, Addison's friends overheard him questioning the individuals what they were doing inside the car before the shooting.

Benjamin Addison’s parents express profound grief

On Saturday morning, police visited the parents' residence to give the devastating news of their son's death.

"I said, ‘Is he hurt?’ and she said he’s gone, I just, I lost it," expressed Benjamin’s mother, Leggesse Addison, reflecting the profound shock and grief upon hearing the news.

“I kept thinking, any minute I’m just going to wake up and think, this is a horrible dream," said the devastated mother.

"It is not going to bring Benjamin back," acknowledged Benjamin's father Joe Addison. "We understand that we have to live the rest of our lives without our son. What we’re hoping is that this person gets caught so that he doesn’t do it to somebody else.."

Authorities urge anyone with pertinent information regarding this homicide to contact the Homicide Unit at 513-352-3542.

In an effort to alleviate the financial burden of funeral expenses, Addison's cousin initiated a GoFundMe campaign where they received $22,342 USD raised of $30,000 goal as of Wednesday, April 3, 2024.

"Benjamin had his entire life ahead of him but his beautiful life was cut short by a cowardly act by a monster," lamented his cousin.

Benjamin Addison, who would have entered his final year at the University of Cincinnati, had his promising future abruptly halted.

Instead of preparing for graduation, his family is now grappling with the arrangements for his funeral.