On Friday, January 23, 2026, a teen girl in Northwood, Ohio, was fatally shot in her apartment. Police have arrested an 18-year-old in connection with her death.
As per a WTVG report, 15-year-old Symini Moore was shot by Jakob Heintzelman in the presence of his girlfriend and another man. According to authorities, the suspect claimed that he was cleaning his handgun when it discharged accidentally.
Police officers responded to the scene at around 10:45 p.m. Upon arrival, they found Moore dead from a gunshot wound. In a separate report from WTOL 11, police confirmed that the 18-year-old was charged in “connection with the fatal shooting.”
Police said Jakob Heintzelman was arrested on a charge of reckless homicide and is being held without bond.
Authorities said Heintzelman told them he was cleaning his gun when it went off, hitting and killing Moore. https://t.co/IVdrGyIX45 pic.twitter.com/adV7gpY8gr
— Action News 5 (@WMCActionNews5) January 27, 2026
Despite Heintzelman’s claim that it was an accidental firing, he was charged with reckless homicide, a third-degree felony. He is currently being held at the Wood County Jail. The suspect also appeared before a judge, who set his bail at $75,000, with an order of electronic monitoring if posted.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe was posted for Moore, with mourners remembering her warm smile. Organizers described the teen’s smile as “the kind that lit up a room instantly” and “made people feel seen, welcomed, and cared for without ever having to say a word.”
The fundraiser post also mentioned that she carried “kindness and compassion,” qualities that were far beyond her years. During her free time, the teen worked at Granny’s Kitchen, where she left warm impression on visitors.
It also mentioned that Moore’s “future was full of promise, love, and purpose.” Although she had far too little time, the impact the teen made on the lives of people around her was “immense,” the post continued. The donation drive was organized to support Moore’s funeral.
@elonmusk – His victim was 15 and her name was Symini Moore.https://t.co/M33DWfV9W5
— Blocked By Acho ✊🏽🇺🇸 (@blockedbyacho) January 26, 2026
Brittany, Symini Moore’s mother, was overwhelmed with the loss and the sudden financial burden. In another report from The Toledo Blade, Moore’s tragic death sent shockwaves across the small town.
Christy Donnell, Moore’s preschool teacher, called the incident “tragic” and remembered her as a “good kid,” adding she was, “Very sweet, very kind.” The educator added, “When her younger brother Vincent was there, she always looked out for him. She was just a very well-mannered, wonderful little girl.”
People have been actively donating to the fundraiser to support Moore’s family, collecting well over $20,000. At the time of writing, $23,765 has already been collected, reflecting Donnell’s comments of Woodville being a close community that always has each other’s backs.
