CLEVELAND — The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office has announced that three people have been indicted in connection with the shooting death of 10-year-old Gracie Griffin on July 4, while a fourth suspect remains at large.
“10-year-old Gracie Griffin — an innocent little girl — lost her life to senseless gun violence during a party with her family on Fourth of July,” said Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley in a statement. “Gun violence in our county has become a routine occurrence and it is unacceptable.”
A Cuyahoga County grand jury indicted 28-year-old Juwone Deaver on the following charges:
- One count of murder
- Four counts of felonious assault
- One count of improperly discharging a firearm at or into a habitation or a school safety zone
- Two counts of discharge of firearm on or near prohibited premises
In addition, 23-year-old Katie McKnight was indicted on the following charges:
- Two counts of obstructing justice
Also, 23-year-old Ed’Jawon Williams was indicted on the following charge:
- One count of obstructing justice
The U.S. Marshals' Violent Fugitive Task Force is "actively searching" for a fourth suspect, 23-year-old Jemerious Davis, in connection with the death of Gracie. If you have any information on his wherabouts, please contact the U.S. Marshals at 1-866-4-WANTED.
The incident happened at around 7:10 p.m. on July 4 as a family gathering was taking place at a residence near West 125th Street and Triskett Road in Cleveland. Investigators say that Deaver, Davis, McKnight, and Gracie were standing outside the home with additional family and friends.
According to the prosecutor's office, "a vehicle with four occupants, two males, both 23, and two females, 20 and 23, drove to the same residence to attend the party. They drove past the residence, turned around, and pulled back in front of the residence. Deaver and Davis then opened fire shooting multiple times with a .45 caliber firearm and an AK-style firearm at the vehicle. Gracie Griffin was struck in the head during the shooting. The vehicle immediately sped away from the residence."
The Cleveland Division of Police responded to the scene as Gracie was taken to a nearby hospital and later pronounced dead.
During their investigation, Cleveland police found no evidence that incoming fire to the residence took place, but found proof of outgoing fire from the home. They also allege that McKnight and Williams provided false information about the shooting.
U.S. Marshals arrested Deaver and McKnight on July 30. An arraignment has not yet been set.
The case remains under investigation.