Grandmother dies shielding toddler

Associated Press

CINCINNATI

A woman killed trying to shield her 2-year-old granddaughter from a drive-by shooting in front of their home will be buried today, the victim’s daughter said.

Amanda Eudaly was still stunned by the events of last Friday evening that ended with the death of her mother, Christine Mae Withrow, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported Tuesday.

The two women had been on their front porch chatting with Eudaly’s toddler daughter, Haley, playing nearby on a step when shots were fired from a car at a man walking in front of their apartment building, Eudaly said.

Withrow, 42, ran down to grab Haley, and Eudaly, who was holding her other daughter, 6-week-old Gabriella, ran inside with her.

Eudaly said she then heard her mother call out. A bullet pierced Withrow’s chest as she wrapped her arms around her granddaughter, and she died within minutes, Eudaly said.

“My name was the last word she said,” 20-year-old Eudaly said.

The intended victim ran away, the Enquirer reported.

A 17-year-old was in custody in the shooting, and more arrests were possible, police said.