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2 teens charged in 2021 University Heights murder; search continues for 'at least' 1 other suspect

Isaiah Myles Allen and Anthony Gerald Otis Jr., both 17 at the time of the alleged crime, are expected to be tried as adults for the murder of Antonio Johnson.

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio — Two teens have been arrested and charged with a homicide that took place in University Heights almost a year and a half ago.

Eighteen-year-olds Isaiah Myles Allen and Anthony Gerald Otis Jr. have both been accused of aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault, and aggravated robbery in connection with the shooting death of 19-year-old Antonio Johnson. Both suspects were just 17 at the time of their alleged crimes and their cases are currently in the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court, but police say they expect both to be charged as adults.

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Authorities say the incident took place on Nov. 24, 2021, when officers found Johnson along Scholl Road with multiple gunshot wounds to his chest. He was later pronounced dead at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, and when the search for the perpetrators eventually went cold, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was eventually called in to assist with the case.

Following months of efforts, officials eventually captured both Allen and Otis, however it is currently believed at least one other person "directly involved in this murder" remains on the loose. Anyone with information on that person's identity or whereabouts is asked to immediately call the University Heights Police Department detective bureau at (216) 932-8799.

"Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Mr. Johnson's family and friends who have been impacted by this tragedy, and we are hopeful that these recent developments can help bring about a sense of justice and closure for all those affected," authorities said in a news release, while also pledging to keep investigating "until the case is fully resolved."

Allen and Otis are currently being held in the Cuyahoga County Jail as they await word on if the matter will be bound over to Common Pleas Court. Even if the pair are tried as adults, they cannot face the death penalty under Ohio law, since both were still minors at the time of the incident.

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