Cleveland, OH
Remembering fallen Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter
CLEVELAND — A procession and memorial service was held Monday for 27-year-old Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter, who was killed in the line of duty last week.
Hundreds of law enforcement officers and supporters gathered at the Cathedral of St. John in downtown Cleveland. Ritter is described by his coworkers and peers as a humble and kind man who loved his family, friends and the community.
“If there’s one thing I can ask of everyone here today and everyone watching, from not only Cleveland, New York, but around the world, I ask that you please never forget Jamieson Ritter. In his short 27 years on earth, he touched more lives than I could ever imagine,” said Officer Brittany Vajusi, Ritter’s law enforcement partner.
Vajusi said she often had nightmares of calls that went sideways where she couldn’t save Ritter.
“And although unfortunately and almost sadistically being on July 4, my nightmare came true.,” said Vajusi.
Mourners gather outside the Cathedral of St. John in Cleveland on July 8, 2024 to honor fallen officer Jamieson Ritter, who died in the line of duty on July Fourth. (Spectrum News 1/Kimberly Perez)
According to coworkers of Ritter, he dedicated his life to serving the public.
“His compassion for those in need and his relentless pursuit of justice were evident in every action he took. He was not just an officer, he was a guardian of our community, a beacon of hope and a symbol of strength,” said Chief Dorothy Todd of the Cleveland Police Department.
Ritter, a native of Upstate New York, proudly served in the Army National Guard before working in law enforcement.
“Ritter, thank you for being my friend, and thank you for being the kind of friend I could count on, no matter what. And I hope you knew how truly impactful you were to so many of us. I’m going to miss you. We all are going to miss you,” said Sgt. David Lucero of the Ohio Army National Guard.
Though his life was cut tragically short, Ritter’s friends, family and coworkers said they will never let him be forgotten.
“He was my best friend, my brother, and the absolute epitome of a police officer. And for all he gave to everyone that he knew and didn’t know, the least we can ever do to give back to him is to remember and to share his legacy forever,” said Vajusi.
Cleveland, OH
If You Could Put Any Cleveland Baseball Player from the Past on the 2026 Team, Who Would it Be?
We are beginning to see the 2026 roster shape up – now it’s time to get your time machines out.
What Cleveland baseball player from the past would make the biggest impact on the 2026 Cleveland Guardians?
Is it 2017 Francisco Lindor anchoring the team from the shortstop position? Or 1948 Lou Boudreau?
Is it 2002 Jim Thome or 2006 Travis Hafner providing thump in the middle of the lineup? Maybe 1953 Al Rosen gets to DH and spell Jose at third?
Is it 2014 Michael Brantely in right field? 1994 Kenny Lofton in center? 2006 Grady Sizemore in center? 1920 Tris Speaker in center?
1995 Albert Belle providing a shock to the system in left?
Or do you want an ace – maybe 2017 Corey Kluber, 1946 Bob Feller, 2008 CC Sabathia, 1969 Sam McDowell, 1972 Gaylord Perry, 2008 Cliff Lee or 1968 Luis Tiant?
Let us know your choice in the comments below!
Cleveland, OH
House explosion in Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood catches neighboring houses on fire
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A house explosion in Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood caught its two neighboring houses and a car on fire and covered the street in thick smoke.
The family who lived in the house that exploded was not home at the time, Cleveland Fire confirmed.
Cleveland EMS told 19 News that paramedics evaluated a 14-year-old boy in stable condition and will be transported by private vehicle for medical assistance.
All residents were safely evacuated and are being assisted by the Red Cross.
The houses are in the 5900 block of Cable Avenue, east of Broadway.
The two-story house that exploded collapsed after noon, Cleveland Fire confirmed.
The explosion and blaze caught the neighboring houses on both sides on fire, Cleveland Fire said.
Below is raw video our 19 News crews captured on scene:
Our cameras captured a first responder carrying a young child on the street away from the home, but it is unknown which house the child lived in.
Cleveland Fire said that 10 companies and 45 firefighters had all fires under control in an hour and a half.
Clouds of smoke filled the nearby streets, creating dangerously low visibility and difficult breathing conditions.
The plume of smoke could be seen for miles, even in downtown Cleveland and Parma.
The cause of the explosion and the estimated damage amount have yet to be determined. Enbridge Gas is on scene, and 19 News is waiting to hear back.
Return to 19 News for updates.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The 17-year-old boy accused of a deadly shooting at a Cleveland deli, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Thursday.
Royal King was indicted on the charges of aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault, carrying concealed weapons, and improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle.
King will continue being held on a $1 million bond at the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Facility.
He will return to court on March 2 for a pre-trial.
King is accused of killing Jahari Stegall, 17, on Sept. 19, 2025 at the E. 185th Deli in the city’s Northshore Collinwood neighborhood.
PREVIOUS STORY: Teen identified after shooting death at Cleveland deli
King allegedly drove to the deli in a stolen car and walked through the aisles.
Security cameras then show Stegall walking through the parking lot.
King allegedly met Stegall at the door with a gun in his hand and shot him in the back of the head before fleeing the scene.
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley said Stegall was a good kid who barely knew King.
U.S. Marshals arrested King on Oct. 29, 2025 at home on E. 147th Street in Cleveland.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
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