Jawan Bates Obituary, Death – A Cincinnati mother is mourning the tragic loss of her son, describing him as a dedicated father and cherished member of the community following a fatal shooting in Evanston. Police have confirmed that the victim was 25-year-old Jawan Bates, who was shot on Friday evening near Montgomery Road and Brewster Avenue, not far from Xavier University.
Authorities reported the incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. Bates was later transported by private means to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center with a gunshot wound, but despite medical efforts, he did not survive.
Now, his mother, Monique Norris, is facing the painful reality of her son’s death while also trying to explain the tragedy to her granddaughter, Bates’ 4-year-old daughter. She emphasized her son’s deep devotion to fatherhood, saying he was more than just present in his child’s life — he was fully committed from the very beginning.
“He was a father. He wasn’t just around on weekends — he was there every single day,” Norris said. “From the moment her mother found out she was pregnant, he was involved. He did everything he needed to do as a father.”
Norris shared that she has suspicions about who may be responsible for the shooting and expressed her frustration at the senselessness of the act. “Over a fight. You killed my baby over a fight,” she said, calling for the person involved to come forward.
Bates’ life was much more than the circumstances of his death, Norris added. She remembered him as someone who loved to joke around and bring smiles to people’s faces. A graduate of Withrow High School, Bates later played football at Wilmington College before turning to a career that would make him well-known in his community — barbering.
His work as a barber wasn’t just a profession; it was also a way for him to give back. Norris recounted how her son would often offer free haircuts to neighborhood children whose families couldn’t afford them. “He started out cutting hair in my basement,” she said. “And from there, word spread, and he became known in the community as the barber. He always wanted to help the kids who didn’t have much.”
The outpouring of grief from those who knew him has highlighted the impact he had, not only as a father and son but also as a mentor and friend to many in his neighborhood. His generosity, humor, and commitment to uplifting others defined who he was, Norris said.
As she navigates her grief, Norris is urging other families to cherish their loved ones while they can. She emphasized that the tragedy of her son’s loss is a reminder of how fragile life is. “Just love on your family,” she said. “You never know when it’s their last day.”
At this time, no arrests have been made in connection to the shooting. Cincinnati police have not provided additional details regarding suspects or motives. WLWT reached out to the department for updates, but no response has yet been given.
For Norris, the pain of losing her son is immeasurable, but she hopes that people will remember Bates for the love he shared, the lives he touched, and the legacy he leaves behind as a devoted father and a selfless community member.
