Kennedy Anne Wise, 15, was shot dead at a home on West Summit Street in Alliance, Ohio, on the evening of June 19, 2026. Emergency responders arrived about 4:18 p.m. after a report of a shooting and found Kennedy with a fatal gunshot wound to the head; she was pronounced dead at the scene. She was a student at Alliance High School and had a passion for cosmetology.

A 14-year-old male acquaintance was taken into custody and charged in juvenile court with involuntary manslaughter. He has told investigators the shooting was accidental, saying he and Kennedy had removed the magazine from a Glock 19 and believed the pistol to be unloaded when it discharged. The suspect has pleaded not true to charges of reckless homicide and involuntary manslaughter.

Kennedy’s death prompted further charges against the suspect’s mother, 47-year-old Erin Barker, who was arrested on an allegation of tampering with evidence after returning the gun to the residence and not immediately telling officers she had done so. The Alliance Police Department and the Stark County Coroner’s Office continue their investigation.

If anyone knew Kennedy, was at the Summit Street residence that day, or has information about access to the firearm, please share what can help clarify what happened.