On July 4, 2024, at approximately 7:10 p.m., 10-year-old Gracie Griffin was fatally shot during a family gathering in the 3200 block of West 125th Street near Triskett Road in Cleveland, Ohio. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, initially mistaking them for fireworks, before discovering Gracie had been struck in the head. She was transported to MetroHealth Medical Center, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
The incident occurred when a vehicle with four occupants—two males, both 23, and two females, aged 20 and 23—approached the residence to attend the party. After driving past and turning around, the vehicle stopped in front of the house. At this point, 28-year-old Juwone Deaver and 23-year-old Jemerious Davis allegedly opened fire with a .45 caliber firearm and an AK-style firearm, respectively, aiming at the vehicle. Tragically, one of the bullets struck Gracie. The vehicle immediately fled the scene.
In the aftermath, authorities arrested Deaver on charges including murder, felonious assault, and improperly discharging a firearm. Katie McKnight, 23, and Ed’Jawon Williams, 23, were charged with obstructing justice for allegedly providing false information during the investigation. Davis remained at large initially, prompting the U.S. Marshals Service to offer a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to his arrest. He later surrendered to the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department.
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley condemned the incident, stating, "10-year-old Gracie Griffin—an innocent little girl—lost her life to senseless gun violence during a party with her family on Fourth of July." He emphasized the unacceptable frequency of gun violence in the county. All four suspects are awaiting court proceedings related to their alleged involvement in Gracie's death.
