CLEVELAND — An 18-year-old Cleveland man has been indicted by a Cuyahoga County grand jury in connection with the shooting deaths of two teenagers, found inside a stolen vehicle with gunshot wounds to the head.
The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office reported that officers responded around 1 a.m. on January 14 to reports of a stolen vehicle crash near Warner Road and Jefferies Avenue. Upon arrival, police discovered Phoenix Brown, 18, walking away from the crash site with blood-soaked clothing.
Inside the crashed 2020 Kia Soul, which had been reported stolen two days earlier, officers found 17-year-old Khalyn White and 16-year-old Julius Barron. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene, having sustained gunshot wounds to the head.
Brown allegedly attempted to flee the scene and was apprehended after a brief chase on Force Avenue. During his escape, he is accused of discarding a firearm, which investigators later linked to the shooting through a shell casing found in the vehicle. Authorities confirmed Brown’s identity using a mobile fingerprint scanner after he refused to provide it voluntarily.
On Thursday, Brown was indicted on 13 charges, including aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault, receiving stolen property, tampering with evidence, and possession of a weapon while under disability. Prosecutor Michael O’Malley emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating, “The level of violence being committed by young individuals is devastating our community. We remain committed to holding violent offenders accountable.”
Brown’s arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday, January 28. Cleveland police are continuing to investigate the incident, with additional details expected to emerge as the case progresses.
This tragic event has left the community grappling with the loss of two young lives and highlights the alarming rise in youth violence. Authorities urge anyone with further information to come forward as they work to ensure justice is served.