On a summer evening in Utica, New York, the life of 42-year-old Cleastore E. Jefferson was tragically cut short. On July 21, 2020, at approximately 8:20 p.m., police responded to a report of shots fired in the 100 block of James Street. Upon their arrival, they discovered a male victim, later identified as Jefferson, lying on the sidewalk with multiple gunshot wounds.
Emergency responders at the scene immediately began to render aid, with police officers applying a tourniquet and
performing other life-saving measures until the Utica Fire Department arrived and took over. Jefferson was then rushed to St. Elizabeth's Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and was listed in critical condition. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Cleastore E. Jefferson succumbed to his injuries on July 22, 2020.
In the days that followed the shooting, the Utica Police Department identified Justin Peak as a suspect in Jefferson's homicide. On August 12, 2020, Peak turned himself in to the authorities at the Utica police headquarters. The peaceful surrender was attributed to the cooperation of Peak's family, his attorney, and individuals in the mayor's office.
