In August 2016, 19-year-old Black male Jorell Cleveland was tragically killed in Kinloch, Missouri, a small municipality within St. Louis County. The shooting occurred during the day while Cleveland was walking down the street, an act of violence committed in broad daylight. Cleveland, who was known to his friends and family as 'Relly,' had been a long-time participant in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, where he had formed a close decade-long bond with his mentor, journalist Ben Westhoff.
Despite his efforts to navigate a challenging environment and his aspirations for the future, Cleveland was targeted and shot at close range, leaving his family and mentor devastated by the sudden loss.
Following the murder, the official police investigation faced significant hurdles, primarily due to a lack of witness cooperation and tangible leads. For years, the case remained cold with no immediate arrests made by law enforcement. The silence from the community and the fear of retaliation stifled the flow of information to authorities, a common barrier in the area's unsolved homicide cases. Driven by a need for answers, Westhoff launched his own extensive investigation into his mentee's death, uncovering details about Cleveland's life that had been previously unknown to him, including his struggles with the dangerous dynamics of his neighborhood.
Although Westhoff eventually identified a specific individual he believes is responsible for the murder—sharing this information with Cleveland’s father and publishing his findings in a non-fiction book—no criminal charges have been filed against this suspect. The alleged killer has remained free, as prosecutors have not secured the necessary testimony or evidence to proceed with a trial. Consequently, there have been no official arrests, trials, or convictions connected to the death of Jorell Cleveland, and the case remains legally unresolved despite the findings brought to light by the private investigation.
