UPDATE: 23-Year-Old Lavia Paul Accused of Fatally Shooting Kiara Jackson at Mill Creek Falls
CLEVELAND, OH – A tragic incident continues to unfold as authorities provide more details in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Kiara Jackson, who was found dead near the entrance of Mill Creek Falls in the early hours of June 11, 2025. The suspect, 23-year-old Lavia Paul, is now facing serious charges, including murder, in connection with the case.
According to police reports, officers responded to a report of gunfire around 4 a.m. on June 11. When Cleveland Metroparks Police arrived on the scene near the scenic Mill Creek Falls, they discovered Jackson with a fatal gunshot wound. Despite emergency efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Lavia Paul was arrested just hours after the shooting. During a brief arraignment hearing, Paul’s bond was set at $500,000. In addition to the murder charge, she also faces a separate charge for allegedly driving under a suspended license, to which she entered a not guilty plea.
Paul is scheduled to appear in court again for a preliminary hearing on June 18, where more details are expected to emerge about the events leading up to the fatal confrontation.
In a press conference following the arraignment, Cleveland Metroparks Police Chief Kelly Stillman confirmed that Jackson was not alone when the incident occurred. “There was a number of individuals, I’m not sure of their relationship,” Stillman stated. “But there was more than one, and that’s how this all transpired.”
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and investigators are working to piece together the relationships and dynamics among those present at the scene. Law enforcement is also encouraging any witnesses or individuals with relevant information to come forward to aid the ongoing investigation.
The tragic loss of Kiara Jackson has sent shockwaves through the community, with friends and family left mourning the death of a young woman described as vibrant, kind-hearted, and full of promise. Community leaders and advocates are also highlighting the broader issues of gun violence and conflict resolution, urging peaceful pathways in times of crisis.
As the legal process moves forward, the community waits for justice and clarity in a case that has left many with heavy hearts and unanswered questions.