Anthony Hughes Jr., a 15-year-old African American male from Cleveland, OH, was tragically shot and killed on December 9, 2020. He was walking home from a basketball game near East 55th Street and Scovill Avenue when he was attacked. According to police reports, occupants of two cars fired shots at a group of teenagers, including Hughes. Hughes was struck multiple times and died at the scene.
The investigation revealed that the shooting was connected to a previous incident involving the
fatal shooting of Arthur Keith, 19, by a Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority police officer. Hughes had just left a Boys & Girls Club meeting discussing Keith's death when he was killed. The meeting was part of community efforts to address violence in the area.
Three individuals were arrested and charged in connection with Hughes' death. Jihada Aaron, Brian Cox Jr., and Deric Thomas, all juveniles at the time of the crime, were implicated in the shooting. Aaron and Cox Jr. pleaded guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter for Hughes' death and the shooting of a 43-year-old man who was also injured in the attack. Thomas pleaded guilty to one count of involuntary manslaughter and other related charges.
The case drew significant attention to the rising violence in Cleveland, which saw a surge in homicides in 2020. The community and Hughes' family have been vocal in seeking justice and advocating for measures to prevent further violence. In memory of Hughes, a street was renamed Anthony DeJuan Hughes Jr. Way on East 55th Street between Quincy and Scovill.
The investigation into Hughes' death remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to work on solving the case and bringing all responsible parties to justice.
