Jemetta Cooper was a 61-year-old woman whose life was cut short during a confrontation at her Cleveland, Ohio, apartment building.
On the afternoon of April 12, 2023, an argument broke out at the Shaker Hall complex in the 12700 block of Shaker Boulevard. According to police, the dispute was over the potential eviction of one of the residents. During the altercation, Ms. Cooper was fatally wounded by gunfire.
Cleveland police investigated the killing and arrested three family members in connection with the incident: 66-year-old Dianna Hendon, her 48-year-old daughter Lamika Hendon, and her 25-year-old granddaughter Zabreah Hendon. At the time of her arrest, Lamika Hendon was employed as a bus driver for the Bedford City School District, which placed her on leave pending the outcome of the case.
Prosecutors charged Dianna Hendon with murder, while Lamika and Zabreah Hendon were each charged with aggravated murder.
All three women pleaded not guilty and were held at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center ahead of their trial.
The joint trial for all three defendants began on January 8, 2024, in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. After the jury began deliberations on January 19, they returned with a verdict on January 22, 2024. The jury found Dianna, Lamika, and Zabreah Hendon not guilty on all charges. Following the verdict, the judge ordered their immediate release from custody.
As of January 2024, with the acquittal of the only individuals charged, the murder of Jemetta Cooper remains unsolved.
