City officials held a press conference on Friday to discuss recent homicide investigations and the rising numbers of violent crimes in Cleveland.
There have been eight homicides in the Cleveland area since Sunday. Authorities went over updates on each individual case at the conference:
- 8800 block of Detroit Avenue: Victims — Francis Alverez and Rebecca Vasquez. No arrests have been made. No suspects have been identified. Detectives are still working on that case.
- West 146th Street: Victim — Victor Maar Jr. Authorities have made an arrest in the case. They are working with the prosecutor's office to determine charges.
- Gertrude Avenue: Victim —Eucebia Garcia – No arrests, no suspects.
- 5900 block of Engle Road: Police are not releasing the victim’s name until next-of-kin has been identified. No arrests have been made.
- West 91st Street: Victim — Antoine Reese – No arrests, but CPD has identified persons of interest. Arrests are imminent, according to authorities.
- East 146th Street: Victim – Gerald Hays – No arrests.
- Zelma Watson George Roller Skating Facility: Victim — Sarontay Williams – Authorities have identified persons of interest in the case.
“We need any information, no matter how small it might be, it could be the piece we need to close this case. Often times people think someone else is going to call. If you saw something, if you think you know something, call us,” said CPD Lt. Ali Pillow.
Authorities are asking anyone with information to call Cleveland police homicide detectives at 216-623-5464.
You can watch the press conference in the player below:
Recently-released figures from Cleveland police show 95 homicides have been reported in the city as of Sept. 19. That's a 10.5 percent increase over the 86 people killed during the same period in 2017.
The 95 killings are already more than the city had for the entire year in 2010, 2011 and 2013 when the number of victims never topped 89.
There were 130 homicides reported in 2017. That was three less than in 2016, but was still among the three deadliest years in the last decade, according to Cleveland police figures.
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