Killing of Robert Godwin
Robert Godwin, Sr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | Robert Godwin |
| Died | April 16, 2017 |
| Cause of death | Gunshot |
Steve Stephens | |
|---|---|
| File:Cleveland murder suspect Steve Stephens.jpg | |
| Born | Steve Stephens |
| Criminal status | At large |
| Criminal charge | Aggravated murder |
On April 16, 2017, 74-year-old Robert Godwin, Sr. was shot and killed while walking on a sidewalk in Cleveland, Ohio. The suspect was identified as 37-year-old Steve Stephens, who posted video of the shooting on his Facebook account. Stephens is wanted on a warrant for aggravated murder.
Shooting
The shooting happened at around 2 p.m. EDT on April 16, 2017 in the area of 635 East 93rd Street in Cleveland's Glenville neighborhood. The shooter uploaded a video of the event, in which he proclaims "Found me somebody I'm about to kill." before exiting his car and accosting Godwin. He orders Godwin to say <name> - the name of Stephens' ex-girlfriend - then announces "She's the reason this [is] about to happen to you." Stephens then shoots Godwin in the head, returns to his car and drives off as screams are heard in the background.[1][2] Facebook said the video was uploaded to the website, not livestreamed as initially reported.[3] In other Facebook posts, Stephens claimed responsibility for 13 murders, but police said they were not aware of any other victims.
Manhunt
A search for Stephens began soon after the shooting, prompting lockdowns at a number of locations, including Cleveland State University.[4] The manhunt expanded to other states on the morning of April 17. Residents in Pennsylvania, New York, Indiana and Michigan were asked to be on alert.[5] An arrest warrant was issued on a charge of aggravated murder.[6]
Suspect
Stephens worked at Beech Brook, a behavioral health agency for children and families. He was wearing his work ID badge and repeatedly mentioned Beech Brook in videos on the day of the murder.[7]
References
- ^ "Cleveland Police on Twitter". twitter.com. Retrieved 17 April 2017.
- ^ "Homicide Suspect Update Steve Stephens". Cleveland Division of Police. April 16, 2017. Retrieved April 17, 2017.
- ^ "Facebook: Killing uploaded, not broadcast live". Associated Press. April 17, 2017. Retrieved April 17, 2017.
- ^ "Cleveland State University removes shelter in place warning". WKYC. April 16, 2017. Retrieved April 17, 2017.
- ^ "Man in Cleveland streams murder live on Facebook". BNO News. April 17, 2017. Retrieved April 17, 2017.
- ^ "AGGRAVATED MURDER WARRANT ISSUED FOR STEVE STEPHENS, BM 37". 17 April 2017. Retrieved 17 April 2017.
- ^ "Employer of man wanted in Cleveland murder on Facebook: 'We were shocked'". WJW. April 16, 2017. Retrieved April 17, 2017.