Northwood man convicted in shooting that killed local honor student

NORTHWOOD, Ohio (WTVG) - A Northwood man has been convicted for his role in the death of a teenage girl earlier this year.

Jakob Heintzelman, 18, of Northwood, pleaded guilty to a series of charges in the death of Symini Moore, 15.

He was convicted of reckless homicide with a gun specification, improper transportation of a firearm in a motor vehicle, carrying a concealed weapon and an underage alcohol violation, according to the Wood County Prosecutor.

Prosecutors said he also pleaded guilty to two counts of illegal use of minor in nudity-oriented material for information found on his cell phone an a case unrelated Moore.

Moore, 15, was killed in a shooting on Jan. 23, according to the Lake Township Police Department.

He’ll serve 11.5 years in prison and was classified as a tier 2 sex offender.

First responders were called to the 3700 block of Lakepointe Drive in Northwood at approximately 10:45 p.m. on Jan. 23 on the report of a person shot. Upon arrival, officers found Moore had died of her injuries.

Authorities tell 13 Action News that Heintzelman claims he was cleaning his gun when it went off, striking and killing Moore.

Moore was a student at Woodmore High School.

A GoFundMe page for her memorial expenses earlier this year said she worked at Granny’s Kitchen and described her as an honor roll student who enjoyed sports and other extra-curricular activities, like choir and Future Farmers of America.

“If you ever met Symini Rai Moore, you remember her smile. It was the kind that lit up a room instantly—the kind that made people feel seen, welcomed, and cared for without her ever having to say a word," the fundraising page for Moore’s family read. “At just 15 years old, Symini carried a kindness and compassion far beyond her years.”

Find the fundraiser for Moore’s memorial expenses at the link here.

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