Tearicka Cradle, a 45-year-old African American woman from Columbus, OH, tragically died on July 18, 2021. She was a dedicated city employee who worked in various departments, including the Fire Department, Police Station, and Parks and Recreation. Tearicka was also known for her community leadership and her role as the coordinator of Mayor Coleman's Restoration Academy, which helped citizens with a criminal background reintegrate into the community.
Tearicka Cradle's death was the
result of a violent incident. She was shot and killed inside her northeast Columbus home during an attempted burglary. Two suspects, 24-year-old Ivan Netter and 29-year-old Lonnie Ray Davis, were arrested and charged with her murder. The investigation revealed that Netter and Davis broke into Tearicka's home, and during the incident, she was fatally shot. The suspects were identified through forensic evidence, and both were taken into custody by Columbus SWAT.
The case garnered significant attention, and the community mourned the loss of Tearicka Cradle. Former Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman and other city officials remembered her as a humble and friendly individual who inspired many with her journey from adversity to success. Tearicka's legacy continues to impact the community, and her contributions are honored by those who knew her.
In addition to the murder charges, Ivan Netter faced separate charges of kidnapping and rape from an incident in October 2020. Netter allegedly held a woman at gunpoint and forced her to perform sexual acts. He was arraigned on these charges, and a judge set his bond at $750,000. The legal proceedings for both the murder and the separate charges continued, with the community closely following the developments.
Tearicka Cradle's death remains a poignant reminder of the impact one individual can have on their community and the importance of addressing violence and crime. Her memory lives on through the work she did and the lives she touched during her time with the City of Columbus.