EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio — East Cleveland police are seeking the public’s help in identifying the individual(s) responsible for the shooting death of a 15-year-old girl on Sunday afternoon and a reward is being offered in return.
On July 5 around 12:46 p.m., officers were called to the area of Alleghany and Northfield avenues after receiving a report that a girl had been shot in the head, police said.
The girl, later identified as Ke'Viania James, was transported to University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital in critical condition, according to police.
Two days after being shot, Ke'Viania died from her injuries, police said.
Ke'Viania was a sophomore at Brush High School where she cheered and played basketball.
Those who knew Ke'Viania said she had a beautiful smile and was full of life.
South Euclid Lyndhurst Schools issued the following statement regarding the death of Ke'Viania:
With broken hearts, the South Euclid Lyndhurst Schools expresses its deepest and most sincere sympathy for the tragic and unexpected death of Ke’viania James, one of our students. Our school district’s thoughts and prayers are with her family. As a way to celebrate the life of Ke’viania, the South Euclid Lyndhurst Schools has organized a balloon launch for next Friday, July 17th at 6:30 p.m. at Korb Field on the Charles F. Brush High School campus. All balloons will be purple, Ke’viania’s favorite color. The community is invited to attend. Please join the SEL Schools in sharing our condolences with Ke’viania’s family, as she will be greatly missed.
The shooting has been ruled a homicide by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s office and police continue to investigate.
East Cleveland police ask that anyone who may have been in the area of Northfield, Allegheny or Manhattan avenues on July 5 and may have information regarding the death of Ke'Viania call authorities at 216-681-2162.
Information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible could be eligible for up to a $2,500 reward, police said.
