Kerri Ellen Allen was 10 when she was killed on April 12, 2012, at a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Brooklyn, Ohio where the family was celebrating her birthday. Her mother, Katherina Allen, was also shot and died. Kerri’s younger sister Kayla was injured but survived.

Kerri’s father, Kevin Allen, entered the restaurant armed with a long gun and shot Katherina and Kerri. Patrons fled in panic while a manager helped evacuate people through a rear door. Police officers fatally shot Kevin Allen at the scene after he refused to surrender. Records indicate Katherina had recently told Kevin she was leaving and had taken the children to stay with a friend; Kevin reportedly had a history of threatening behavior and violence toward his wives.

The community mourned Kerri and her mother. If anyone witnessed the shooting or has information about the events that day, please come forward.