Dejon D. Forbes, a 24-year-old African American man from Cleveland, OH, tragically lost his life on May 3, 2016. He was shot in Cleveland Heights and found in a vehicle in a parking lot at 2212 Noble Road. Forbes was transported to University Hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. The incident occurred around 2:28 p.m., and a second victim with a gunshot wound to the hip was also treated and released from the hospital.
The shooting took place outside the Sunny
Spot Lounge in Cleveland Heights, where witnesses reported seeing a crowd form and a physical altercation before hearing multiple gunshots. Dejon's family and friends gathered to remember him, expressing their grief and disbelief over the senseless violence. His mother tearfully stated that Dejon had no idea what he had done to deserve such a fate.
In the aftermath of the shooting, police took Antonio Longino, 23, into custody and charged him with tampering with evidence. Longino was released on bond but later, Stephen Johnson, 28, turned himself in to Cleveland Heights police and was charged with aggravated murder. Johnson pleaded not guilty in court. The investigation into Dejon's death continued, with law enforcement working to piece together the events leading up to the shooting and identify any additional suspects or motives.
Dejon D. Forbes left behind a one-year-old daughter, and his family started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the unexpected funeral costs. The tragic loss of Dejon added to the family's history of violence, as his father had also been murdered 24 years earlier.
The case drew significant attention from the community and law enforcement, with efforts focused on bringing justice for Dejon and providing support to his grieving family. The investigation into his death remains a priority for Cleveland Heights police, as they work to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.