Adhon Thomas Obituary, Death – A 15-year-old boy who was fatally shot near the Upper Onondaga Park Pool in Syracuse’s Strathmore neighborhood has been identified as Adhon Thomas, according to Syracuse police spokesperson Kieran Coffey.
The shooting occurred just outside the fenced area surrounding the public pool. Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile stated that Thomas was shot in the abdomen by another individual at the scene. Emergency services transported him to Upstate University Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
As of Wednesday, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. The suspected shooter remains at large, and authorities have yet to recover the firearm used in the incident. Chief Cecile confirmed during a press briefing that the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with information to come forward.
The shooting was first detected around 2 p.m. on Tuesday by the city’s ShotSpotter gunshot detection system, which alerted officers to gunfire in the vicinity of Upper Onondaga Park. Soon after, a 911 call was received reporting that a male had been shot in the stomach near the pool.
By 3 p.m., law enforcement had a significant presence at the park. Three police crime scene unit vans and several patrol cars were stationed around the area. The pool was immediately closed and secured with police tape, and all swimmers and staff were evacuated as officers began their investigation.
Following the shooting, numerous children and community members gathered at a nearby pavilion in the park, visibly shaken by the event. The incident has left the neighborhood stunned, especially given that the shooting occurred in broad daylight near a popular community space.
Police continue to seek information about the suspect or the events that led up to the shooting. Anyone with knowledge of the incident is encouraged to contact Syracuse Police. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.