Man charged in shooting death of 15-year-old girl

CINCINNATI - A man recently released from prison for manslaughter has been charged in the shooting death of a 15-year-old girl in Over-the-Rhine earlier this week.

Thirty-seven-year-old Harold Croft was arrested in College Hill Friday afternoon for the murder of Africa Hope.

The teen was was shot in the 1700 block of Vine Street shortly after 11 p.m. Monday. She was transported to University Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Cincinnati Police Chief James Craig announced the murder charge against Croft during a news conference Friday afternoon. Croft was arrested a short time later. He was released from prison in April after serving 10 years.

Hope's family expressed their frustration over her shooting death earlier this week and the circumstances leading up to it.

The teen attended Taft High School and then a charter school before dropping out in March. Hope lived with her grandmother, Corline Stone in the West End.

“She had a lot of problems,” Corline said earlier this week. "She didn't take her medication." Stone said her granddaughter's problems included attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Hope's family has pleaded for someone with information to come forward.

“Deep in your heart, come forward and do the right thing. Anyone that's out there who knows anything about this please come forward and justice will be served," said Rodney Stone, Hope's uncle.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (513)352-3040. You do not have to give your name and may receive cash if your clues lead to an arrest.