In the early morning hours of May 30, 2014, the life of 35-year-old Ronald M. McGruder Jr., a Black male from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was tragically cut short. Police were dispatched to the 1100 block of Hanover Street around 2 a.m., where they discovered McGruder lying on the sidewalk, the victim of an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities reported that a full-sized sedan was seen leaving the area, heading northbound on Cameron Street from Hanover Street.
It was noted that this vehicle may have nearly collided with another car.
An investigation into McGruder's death pointed to a dispute that had occurred just two nights prior. McGruder had been in a heated argument with Justin Asaad Cooke, during which McGruder reportedly blamed Justin's brother, Miles Cooke, for the 2013 death of his friend, Warren Beasley. On the night of the shooting, McGruder was seen leaving a bar called Double D's with both Justin and Miles Cooke in a tan Audi driven by Miles. An eyewitness who lived on Hanover Street was awakened by screaming and saw McGruder with the two brothers just before the fatal shot was fired.
In October 2014, the investigation led to charges against the two brothers. Miles Cooke, 30, and Justin A. Cooke, 29, both of Harrisburg, were each charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with McGruder's shooting death. Miles Cooke was arrested and taken to Dauphin County Prison. Authorities also issued a warrant for the arrest of Justin Cooke. The prosecution's theory was that McGruder was killed to silence him about the Beasley homicide. Miles Cooke was subsequently convicted for his role in the murder.
