Jonathan Bruce Singletary Sr., a 45-year-old African American male from East Cleveland, Ohio, tragically passed away on October 26, 2017. Singletary was well-known in his community and worked as a welder and electrician before opening his own restaurant, The Taste of Something Good. He was also a loving father to five children and a grandfather to two grandchildren.
Singletary's death was the result of a shooting incident that occurred in the early morning hours of October 26, 2017, on
an East Cleveland street. The investigation into his death led to the arrest and indictment of three individuals: Merlin T. Johnson, Eric G. Wilson, and Latifah N. Stewart. Johnson and Wilson were charged with aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault, aggravated robbery, discharging a firearm near prohibited premises, tampering with evidence, and having a weapon while under disability. Stewart was charged with obstructing justice for hindering the investigation.
The case against Johnson and Wilson proceeded to a bench trial in April 2018. Johnson waived his right to a jury trial, and the trial concluded on May 2, 2018. The court found Johnson guilty on multiple counts, including aggravated murder and murder, and sentenced him to 34 years to life in prison. Wilson's trial was delayed due to the absence of his attorney, and a warrant was issued for Stewart's arrest for failing to appear in court.
The tragic loss of Jonathan Singletary Sr. left a significant impact on his family and the community, who remembered him as a kind and helpful individual. His legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren, who continue to honor his memory.
