Isaac Carson Jr., a 37-year-old African American man from Cleveland, OH, was tragically shot and killed on June 5, 2018. Carson, a barber and father of two, had recently won $50,000 on a lottery ticket. The incident occurred outside Lady Luck’s Pub on Cleveland’s east side. According to U.S. Marshals, the homicide happened after a fight broke out in Carson's car.
Michael Ward, a 19-year-old, was arrested and charged with Carson's murder.
Ward was indicted on multiple charges, including aggravated murder, murder, aggravated robbery, felonious assault, and kidnapping. However, in October 2020, Ward was found not guilty on all counts. The jury's decision was based on the lack of sufficient evidence presented by the prosecution. Ward maintained his innocence, claiming he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and had no prior knowledge of the impending violence.
Despite Ward's acquittal, the true identity of the person who shot Carson remains unknown. Surveillance footage captured the entire incident, showing Ward and two other individuals meeting Carson to purchase marijuana. During the encounter, a struggle ensued, and Carson was shot in the back. The second person involved in the incident fled the scene, leaving Carson behind.
The case remains an open investigation, with Cleveland police continuing to search for the actual perpetrator. Carson's family and friends continue to seek justice for his untimely death, hoping that one day the true murderer will be brought to justice.
