In a heartbreaking development out of Toledo, 13-year-old Darvelle Nelson has died after being shot Monday afternoon in a home on the 1800 block of Balkan Place. First responders found him suffering from at least one gunshot wound, and although he was rushed to a nearby hospital, medical personnel were unable to save him.
Local police say they have not yet made any arrests in the case. The investigation remains active as detectives work to understand what led to this senseless loss. Authorities are urging anyone with information to reach out to Crime Stoppers at 419‑255‑1111, and they emphasize that tips can remain anonymous.
The tragedy strikes at a particularly painful moment for the community: according to 13 Action News, Darvelle’s death marks the seventh homicide involving a minor in Toledo so far this year. That grim statistic underscores how deeply youth violence continues to scar neighborhoods across the city.
Details remain thin about how or why the shooting occurred. Police say the incident happened around 2:00 p.m. inside a home, but they have not publicly shared a motive or identified any suspects. Until now, no further information has been made available.
Those who knew Darvelle paint a picture of a bright, warm-hearted boy — someone whose presence genuinely lifted up the people around him. Though few public statements have been released by his family, it’s clear from conversations around the neighborhood that his loss is being deeply felt. Friends talk about his easy laugh, his playful spirit, and how much he cared about others.
The community’s grief is already transforming into a call for change. Local leaders, teachers, and non‑profit advocates have renewed their push for resources that could help prevent tragedies like this — everything from youth mentorship programs and conflict resolution training to stronger relationships between law enforcement and families. They argue that action must go beyond mourning: to save lives, the city needs commitment, prevention, and healing.
As Toledo residents grapple with sorrow, the hope now is that Darvelle’s memory will become a catalyst for something better. In neighborhood gathering spots and on social media, people are sharing condolences, lighting candles, and coming together to support his family. Even in the darkest moments, they’re holding fast to a deep belief: that his life, though cut far too short, should matter — and inspire us all to build safer futures for children growing up here.
