Bath Township police confirmed Thursday morning that Elijah Wells, the 18-year-old who was shot eight times at an Airbnb mansion party over the weekend, has died.
Alicia Wells, Elijah Wells's mother, is heartbroken and has a personal plea.
"The pain that I feel, I would not wish on no one," said Alicia Wells. "I just want justice."
Wells begged parents to put themselves in her position as she waits to find out who killed her son, who she said was a talented songwriter and rapper.
"The parents of the children that are responsible for killing my child should feel guilty," Wells said.
Elijah Wells was one of nine people injured on Top-O-Hill Drive. The million-dollar home was rented through Airbnb.
According to Bath Township Police Chief Vito Sinopoli, two victims remain in the hospital and six others have been released.
News 5 reporter Bob Jones spoke with the Wells family earlier in the week, when Elijah Wells was in critical condition.
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RELATED: Teen shot 8 times at Bath Township mansion party in critical condition.
The investigation is no longer for the shooting alone.
"This really changes the entire dynamics of the case. The focus of the investigation is now a homicide." Sinopoli said.
The police chief said his detectives and BCI agents are searching through a volume of evidence, witness interviews and videos— trying to identify any of the shooters at the party.
When asked if the case would be solved, Sinopoli said, "I think it's premature at this point. I'm confident that the investigators are doing everything they possibly can."
In the meantime, the Wells family hired attorney Peter Pattakos.
"This is an incident that never should have happened," said Pattakos. "He was shot within moments of arriving at this event with— he was with five of his friends."
The attorney plans to file a lawsuit against the owner of the house, Airbnb, the organizers of the mansion party, and the shooters if they are identified. He pointed out that short-term rentals are not permitted in Bath Township's residential areas.
"This trend of mansion parties has been known and identified as a danger," said Pattakos, "This family should have never had to suffer what they are suffering right now."
Alicia Wells told News 5 she has already suffered the loss of two children, both at the age of 32, to natural causes in 2022 and 2019. Now, after she has lost a third child—this time to violence— she's calling for justice.
"He was the best person anybody ever wanted in their lives and he's gone," Wells said.
The family has set up a GoFundMe for Elijah's memorial.
No one has been taken into custody yet, and BCI is assisting the Bath Township Police Department in this investigation, and the agencies are working to identify the suspect or suspects.
"This remains a complex and active investigation, and we appreciate the public's patience and cooperation as detectives work diligently to identify those responsible," Sinopoli said. "Our deepest sympathy is extended to Elijah's family and loved ones during this time of incredible loss."
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An Airbnb spokesperson released a statement Thursday night regarding the incident:
“Our hearts go out to Mr. Wells’ loved ones at this devastating time. The party held at this home was a violation of our rules, and we are continuing to support the Bath Township Police Department and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation in their investigation to find those responsible for this senseless and tragic violence.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact investigators by emailing intel@ohioattorneygeneral.gov or calling 855-BCI-OHIO.
