Dominic Cunningham, a 22-year-old Black man, and his younger brother, 21-year-old Joshua Cunningham, were inseparable. The two men from Solon, Ohio, often worked alongside their father, Jack Cunningham, a popular DJ who performed every Friday night at the A Touch of Italy restaurant in Bedford Heights. The establishment was like a second home to the family, and the brothers would help their dad with his work there.
In the early morning hours of October 7, 2023, a disturbance inside the
restaurant led to several people being escorted out into the parking lot. Among them were Shawntell Ellis, Arianna McKinnon-Brooks, and a third, unidentified man. Prosecutors later stated that this group got into a Jeep driven by Ellis. The Cunningham brothers also went outside and approached the Jeep, telling the occupants to leave. The confrontation escalated when someone inside the Jeep slapped one of the brothers.
As Ellis drove the Jeep away from the restaurant, the Cunningham brothers followed in their own vehicle, pulling up alongside it. According to prosecutors, Dominic then pulled out a gun and fired at the Jeep. Tragically, the bullet missed its target and instead struck his brother Joshua, killing him. In response, Ellis, McKinnon-Brooks, and the unidentified man all fired their weapons from the Jeep. Dominic was struck and killed in the crossfire. Both brothers were taken to a hospital where they were pronounced dead.
Bedford Heights police began an investigation and soon identified 29-year-old Shawntell Ellis as a person of interest. They also sought a 2023 silver Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with New York plates that Ellis had rented but not returned. On December 5, 2023, members of the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force located and arrested Ellis at a home in Cleveland Heights. Another man wanted in a separate homicide was also taken into custody, and multiple firearms were recovered from the residence.
Initially, Ellis faced charges including aggravated murder. However, in court proceedings in May 2024, prosecutors revealed the devastating chain of events that led to the brothers' deaths. The aggravated murder charges against Ellis were dismissed, and he pleaded guilty to improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle, grand theft, tampering with evidence, and having weapons while under disability. He was sentenced to 4.5 years in prison.
As of May 2024, the case is partially resolved. Arianna McKinnon-Brooks, 25, has been charged with obstructing justice. The third person who was in the Jeep and fired a weapon remains unidentified and at large. The Bedford Heights Police Department continues to investigate and asks anyone with information to call the Detective Bureau at 440-439-1234.
