Ramses Thoth Hurley, a 19-year-old male of African American ethnicity, tragically lost his life on June 16, 2019, in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a recent graduate of Shaker Heights High School and was well-regarded by his peers and community. Ramses was shot in the head and subsequently dragged by a car, leading to his untimely death. The incident occurred in the Buckeye-Shaker neighborhood, near South Moreland Boulevard.
The investigation into Ramses Hurley's death revealed that he was
involved in a dispute over a marijuana sale. Jaidee Miree and Desmond Duncan, both teenagers at the time, were implicated in the incident. According to court documents, the altercation escalated, and Ramses was forcibly ejected from the vehicle while it was still moving. He suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced dead later that day.
The legal proceedings that followed were extensive. Miree and Duncan were charged with multiple counts, including aggravated murder, murder, aggravated robbery, felonious assault, and involuntary manslaughter. The case drew significant attention due to the application of Ohio's "Stand Your Ground" law, which was not in effect at the time of the crime but was considered during their trial. Ultimately, both Miree and Duncan were convicted and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for their roles in Ramses Hurley's death.
The tragic loss of Ramses Hurley has left a lasting impact on his family, friends, and the community. His parents, Rosel Charles Hurley III and LaVerne Carol Austin, along with his siblings, have publicly expressed their grief and called for an end to violence affecting young people. The case has also sparked discussions about self-defense laws and the need for community safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
