CLEVELAND — A teenager from Bedford was shot and killed on Tuesday night outside of the Earle B. Turner Recreation Center in Cleveland.
Cleveland Police responded to the center in the Union-Miles Park neighborhood on Cleveland's southeast side at around 6:53 p.m.
Upon arriving at the scene, Cleveland Police officers discovered the victim in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced dead on the scene.
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office has since identified the victim as 18-year-old Jamarion Smith.
Preliminary information from the Cleveland Division of Police stated that the victim was leaving the recreation center when he was shot at by a male wearing a black hoodie and a ski mask in the parking lot.
The suspect allegedly fled on foot following the shooting, said Cleveland Police. At this time no arrests have been made in connection to the shooting.
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact homicide investigators at 216-623-5464.
Anonymous information can be provided to Crimestoppers at 216-25-CRIME. A cash reward of up to $5,000 may be available for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.
The following officials have released statements regarding the shooting:
Cleveland Clerk of Courts Earle B. Turner
"The fatal shooting at the City Recreation Center on Miles Rd. is sad and disturbing. Incidents like it that have devastated families in Cleveland and across the country were the focus of a conference last week at Cleveland State University. The National Forum of Black Elected Administrators concentrated on developing a playbook for the complex issues that result in gun violence."
City of Cleveland Ward 2 Councilman Kevin Bishop
"My heart is heavy hearing about the death of this young man outside the Earle B. Turner Recreation Center, which is in my ward. It is and should be a gathering place for youth, families, seniors and more to come together. We won’t let that be taken away.
"Council has taken steps to make recreation centers across the city safe spaces. There are cameras and safety personnel. The Turner rec center is a safe space and offers residents of all ages numerous activities and programs including the new tech center. This is a horrible event, but it is an aberration.
"While the young man was from Bedford, I understand he was a visitor to the center for years. This shooting is unacceptable and inexcusable and my condolences to the family and friends of the victim.
"Why? That’s my question to the shooter or shooters. Why take a life and devastate families, which will include yours when you are arrested and sent to prison for a senseless murder? There has to be a better way."
EDITOR'S NOTE: 3News previously reported that the victim was 17 years old based on initial information from Cleveland Police. New information indicates that the victim was 18 years old.
Do you want to be among the first to know the most important local and national news? Download the free WKYC app and get updates right on your phone: Android, Apple.
Editor's Note: The above video is from an unrelated story from Dec. 6, 2022.