CLEVELAND — Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O'Malley announced today that a grand jury has indicted Ellis Wilson, 34, for the murder of of a 33-year-old Garfield Heights woman near the Harvard Avenue exit ramp of Interstate 77.
According to the report, on December 19, 2020, Wilson and the victim were arguing insider her vehicle as she was driving on I-77 with her two children, ages 12 years old and eight months old, respectively, in the backseat. Following the argument, Wilson allegedly shot the victim multiple times prior to the vehicle coming to a stop near the Harvard Avenue exit ramp and then fled on foot.
The Newburgh Heights Police Department, Cleveland Division of Police and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital and was pronounced dead shortly after. Neither of the victim's children were injured in the incident, but were transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.
Responding officers found Wilson hiding in the brush alongside the Interstate not far from the scene and was subsequently arrested.
""This barbaric individual executed the victim in front of her children," Prosecutor O'Malley said in a news release. "Our hearts go out to her family as they grieve this tragic loss."
Wilson was indicted on a number of charges including Aggravated Murder; Murder; Felonious Assault; Improperly Handling Firearms In A Motor Vehicle; and Having Weapons Under Disability. He is currently being held at the Cuyahoga County Jail on $1 million bond. Should he be convicted, Wilson faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
