Cleveland Police Investigating Fatal Shooting on Schaefer Avenue; Woman Dead, Teen Girl Injured
CLEVELAND, OH (WJW) — Tragedy struck a Cleveland neighborhood Saturday afternoon as police continue to investigate a deadly shooting that left a 46-year-old woman dead and a 15-year-old girl injured. The incident occurred on the 6700 block of Schaefer Avenue, shortly before 3:40 p.m., according to a press release from the Cleveland Division of Police.
Responding officers arrived at the scene to find two victims inside a vehicle — both suffering from gunshot wounds. The woman, who had sustained life-threatening injuries, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released her name pending notification of next of kin.
Teen Victim Rushed to Hospital
A 15-year-old girl, also found inside the same vehicle, had been shot in the leg during the incident. Emergency personnel provided immediate medical attention before transporting her to a nearby hospital. As of the latest update, her condition has not been made public, but officials confirmed she is expected to survive.
It remains unclear whether the victims were specifically targeted or caught in crossfire. No suspects have been arrested or publicly identified at this time.
Scene Secured, Investigation Ongoing
Police secured the area around Schaefer Avenue as detectives processed the scene, gathering shell casings and interviewing potential witnesses. Neighbors reported hearing several gunshots ring out just before officers arrived. Residents described the scene as chaotic and heartbreaking, especially once it became apparent that a child had been involved.
“We heard pops, and then people started running and yelling,” one nearby resident told reporters. “It’s scary, especially with kids around. This used to be a quiet street.”
Officials have not disclosed a motive, and the Cleveland Division of Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating all leads. They are also reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses in hopes of identifying potential suspects or vehicles involved.
Broader Context: A City on Edge
The shooting adds to a growing wave of gun violence incidents that have rocked Cleveland neighborhoods in recent weeks. Community members, city leaders, and anti-violence advocates continue to call for stronger intervention strategies to address the rising number of shootings involving both women and young people.
“This senseless violence must stop,” said one community advocate, who arrived at the scene after hearing news of the tragedy. “We cannot allow our children to be caught in the crossfire.”
Help Needed from the Public
The Cleveland Police Department is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Witnesses or individuals with surveillance footage from the surrounding area are encouraged to contact Cleveland Homicide Detectives at (216) 623-5464. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling (216) 25-CRIME or online at www.25crime.com. A reward may be available for tips leading to an arrest.
Community Support and Resources
As the family of the deceased woman mourns and the teenage girl recovers, local support organizations have begun reaching out to offer counseling services and victim support. Residents are being reminded that help is available for those impacted by violence, including mental health services, crisis intervention, and neighborhood safety programs.
Anyone with information is strongly urged to speak up. Silence only serves to protect the guilty — and the community deserves justice for this heartbreaking loss.