On February 27, 2023, 22-year-old Curtis Ivory Bobbitt Jr., affectionately known as "CJ," was found fatally shot in Cleveland's Lee-Miles neighborhood. Officers discovered him slumped over inside an SUV parked near the intersection of Lee Road and Cloverside Avenue. Witnesses reported that an unidentified suspect shot Bobbitt before fleeing the scene in another SUV. As of now, neither the suspect nor the vehicle has been identified, and no arrests have been made.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Cleveland police detectives or Crime Stoppers of Cuyahoga County.
Born on December 20, 2000, in Cleveland, Ohio, CJ was the beloved son of Curtis and Kimberly Bobbitt. He graduated from Maple Heights High School in 2020, where he played for the school's traveling basketball team. CJ had a passion for basketball, enjoyed being outdoors, cutting hair, dressing stylishly, listening to music, and spending time with his dog, Sanman. Known for his caring nature, he often checked on his grandparents and looked out for his younger cousins. His family remembers him as the "baby boy" who was spoiled by the entire family and had a special bond with his mother.
A public viewing was held on March 10, 2023, at the House of Peace Funeral Home in Cleveland. The following day, a Celebration of Life service took place at Temple Baptist Church in East Cleveland, officiated by Sedric D. Veal Sr. CJ is survived by his loving parents, two brothers, grandparents, uncles, aunts, a nephew, a niece, numerous cousins, his godfather, god-uncle, his first love, and a childhood friend. He was preceded in death by his uncle, Warren Hairston Jr. His family and friends cherish his memory, especially his signature smile with that one dimple.
The investigation into CJ's death remains ongoing. Authorities continue to seek information from the public to identify and apprehend the suspect responsible for this tragic loss.
