In the warm evening of Saturday, July 15, 2023, in Lafayette, Louisiana, the life of Cleveland James Stiner, a 62-year-old Black male, was tragically cut short. Known affectionately as "Clee Clee," he was a beloved figure in his community, a jack-of-all-trades who readily lent his skills as a mechanic, carpenter, and plumber to friends, family, and neighbors alike.
He was a man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life, like cooking outdoors in his black pot, listening to music, and spending time with his five daughters and numerous grandchildren.
The night took a dark turn on Railroad Street, where a shooting broke out. Two individuals were struck by gunfire, one of whom was Cleveland Stiner. He succumbed to his injuries, his death marking a violent end to a life characterized by helpfulness and family devotion. The second victim of the shooting was also injured but survived and was reported to be recovering. The incident prompted an investigation by the Lafayette Police Department, who soon identified a person of interest.
Within a couple of days, an arrest was made in connection with the fatal shooting. The suspect was identified as 36-year-old Jeremy Tyler. He was taken into custody and booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center. The charges brought against him were severe: one count of first-degree murder for the death of Cleveland Stiner and one count of attempted first-degree murder for the injury of the second victim. The community was left to mourn the loss of a man known for his kindness and skills, while the legal process against the man accused of ending his life began to unfold.
