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William Evans, a 7-year-old boy with developmental disabilities, died August 6, 2026, in Cincinnati’s Oakley neighborhood; three adults who shared his care face murder charges. His aunt started a GoFundMe to cover his memorial service, which his grandmother hopes will grow into a foundation supporting children with disabilities. As of this weekend, the fund had raised $3,182 of a $14,000 goal.
The William Evans Oakley death moved through a Hamilton County courtroom fast this week
Three arrests and $1.1 million bonds came within 24 hours. Two days later, his aunt started a fundraiser for his memorial.
William’s aunt, Alli Ruth Taylor, started the William Evans GoFundMe two days after he died. She started it to raise money for his memorial service.
William’s grandparents, who he called PawPaw and Nonna, described a boy who loved strawberry ice cream and Skyline noodles with cheese. They remembered him as sweet, kind, and funny. Additionally, William was 7 years old and developmentally disabled, with sensory issues that meant the adults around him had to pay close attention to how he experienced the world. “We will love and miss him forever,” his family said in a statement released after his death.
Cincinnati and Norwood police officers responded to the 2800 block of Madison Road around 1 p.m. Thursday, August 6, after a report of a possible disturbance, according to Local 12. There, officers found William unresponsive inside the home. The Hamilton County Coroner’s office ruled his death a homicide and performed an autopsy Friday. However, officials said a determined cause of death would take at least another week.
Three adults lived with William and shared his care. Police charged all three: his mother, Kaitlin Evans, 38; Nessa Keaney, 23; and Kirby Rankin, 33. All three pleaded not guilty at their arraignment Friday in Hamilton County Municipal Court. At their arraignment, a judge set bond at $1.1 million apiece. Under Ohio law, they remain presumed innocent unless a jury finds otherwise.
The Daily Mail has reported that Hamilton County court records identify Keaney and Rankin as transgender women. They cited sex classifications the outlet says it reviewed. Local Cincinnati outlets covering the arraignment in person have not reported that detail. Instead, they have consistently referred to all three defendants as women, including in courtroom testimony quoting detectives using she/her pronouns for both. Neither detail changes the charges against any of the three.
William’s other biological parent, who did not live at the home, addressed Evans directly in court. “Willie was my life,” the parent said, adding that the family had been kept from him “over lies” for nine months.
Titled “William Michael Evans: Forever Remembered,” the GoFundMe aims first to cover the celebration of life and memorial service. As of this weekend, it had raised $3,182 from 32 donors. The page also describes a longer-term goal: William’s grandmother, Tina, hopes to eventually start a foundation in his name to support children with disabilities who depend on the adults around them, the way William did.
The legal case is still moving. The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office expects to bring the case to a grand jury within roughly 10 days of Friday’s arraignment. That would put a decision on formal charges around August 17. Additional charges are possible once the coroner finalizes a cause of death. Rankin was already facing separate misdemeanor charges in Fairfield from a January incident. A Fairfield jury convicted him in that case this weekend, with sentencing set for September 17. None of that changes what William’s family is focused on right now.
For now, the fund sits at less than a quarter of its goal. The family says any amount helps, and that giving isn’t the only way to support them. “Rest peacefully, sweet William,” the GoFundMe page reads. “You are loved, you are remembered, and you will never be forgotten.”
FAQs
Who is William Evans?
William Evans was a 7-year-old boy with developmental disabilities and sensory issues who died on August 6, 2026, in Cincinnati’s Oakley neighborhood. His grandparents remember him as sweet, kind, and funny.
How can people help William Evans' family?
His aunt, Alli Ruth Taylor, started a GoFundMe titled “William Michael Evans: Forever Remembered” to cover a celebration of life and memorial service. As of this weekend, it had raised $3,182 toward a $14,000 goal.
Is the GoFundMe planning anything beyond the memorial?
Yes. William’s grandmother, Tina, hopes to eventually start a foundation in his name to support children with disabilities.
Who was charged in William Evans' death?
His mother, Kaitlin Evans, 38, Nessa Keaney, 23, and Kirby Rankin, 33, were charged with murder and endangering children. All three pleaded not guilty and are held on $1.1 million bond each. They are presumed innocent unless a jury finds otherwise.
When will a grand jury review the case?
The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office expects to present the case within about 10 days of the August 7 arraignment, putting a decision around August 17.
This article was written with the assistance of AI as part of The Cincinnati Exchange’s editorial process. All facts were checked against primary sources and local reporting before publication.
