17-Year-Old Arrested in Deadly Convenience Store Shooting
U.S. Marshals have arrested a 17-year-old boy, wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of another teen in Cleveland. Authorities say that on September 19, the teen drove to the 185th Deli, where 17-year-old Jahari Stegall had just walked inside.
Surveillance video reportedly shows him entering the store, later returning with a handgun, and shooting Stegall in the back of the head before fleeing in a stolen vehicle that was later recovered near his home.
The teenager, who had been the subject of an intense public manhunt, was taken into custody on Wednesday morning near East 147th Street.
Investigators say a loaded rifle was recovered in a bedroom believed to be his. He faced multiple charges, including aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault, improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle, and carrying a concealed weapon.
U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott condemned the attack, describing it as a “heinous and brazen crime committed in the middle of the day.” Prosecutor Michael O’Malley stated that although the boy is currently charged in juvenile court, the state is seeking to transfer the case to the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.
O’Malley emphasized the growing trend of “unchecked violence being committed by juveniles against juveniles,” pledging full support to secure justice for Stegall and his family.
This tragedy underscores the urgent need for preventative action, accountability, and deeper support systems to protect young people on all sides of violence.
This tragedy reflects the loss of one child and another now facing the justice system. Seventeen-year-old Jahari Stegall’s right to life and protection was taken, underscoring the urgent need to keep children safe from violence.
At the same time, those in conflict with the law must be treated with dignity, given due process, and offered rehabilitation.
