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.

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.

New Jersey’s criminal justice system lacks equity and fairness, Governor Claims

Newark, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy has signed Executive Order No. 362 to expedite the review process for certain clemency applications. This order includes specific categories such as non-violent convictions and cases involving excessive trial penalties. It aims to address systemic inequities in the criminal legal system.

The initiative, according to Murphy was enacted to benefit what he termed “black and brown” communities in New Jersey.

“As we celebrate Juneteenth and reflect on our nation’s ongoing journey toward racial justice for Black and Brown Americans, I am proud to sign this Executive Order to help address inequities and unfairness in our justice system in New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy. “This new clemency initiative is a cornerstone of our Administration’s efforts to make New Jersey the State of Second Chances. Today, we pledge to take a responsible and equity-driven approach to pardons and commutations that will prioritize the most compelling cases.”

“Crowding in our state prisons creates hurdles for safety, healthcare, and programming,” said Terry Schuster, New Jersey’s Corrections Ombudsperson. “Governor Murphy’s announcement today clears the path for people who can safely return home, and eases the burden on the Department of Corrections to manage and improve prison conditions.”

The order also establishes a Clemency Advisory Board to review applications and provide recommendations to the Governor. This board is the first of its kind in New Jersey and includes diverse members from various criminal justice backgrounds.

Governor Murphy highlighted the initiative as part of efforts to make New Jersey a state of second chances. He emphasized the importance of addressing inequities in the justice system.

“In New Jersey, we believe in second chances and giving our residents every opportunity to succeed,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “Governor Murphy’s creation of a Clemency Advisory Board and plan to ensure expedited consideration for a large number of worthy applicants demonstrates this administration’s commitment to those principles.

Lt. Governor Tahesha Way echoed this sentiment, noting the significance of the order in the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and other officials also expressed support for the initiative, underscoring its potential to provide second chances and promote rehabilitation.

“Governor Murphy’s actions today are bigger than a new program or correcting a handful of injustices. This is an entirely new approach to clemency that is going to cut red tape and restore hope, dignity, and opportunity for people unjustly trapped in the system,” said Robert “Meek Mill” Williams, Co-Founder and Co-Chair, REFORM Alliance. “I know personally the life-changing impact that clemency can have. Today’s announcement means that many more people will have an opportunity to reunite with their families, get back on their feet, and chase their dreams. It takes true leadership to use executive power like this, and I applaud Governor Murphy for doing what’s right and taking this bold step.”

The Clemency Advisory Board’s appointed members include legal professionals, a university professor, and a police chaplain, among others. This initiative builds on previous reforms by the Murphy Administration aimed at providing second chances to justice-involved individuals.

The Cleveland Guardians are 56-32 (.636) through their first 88 games this season, which is the best record in the American League.

And after the 2024 MLB All-Star Game pitchers and reserves were announced on Sunday, the team will now have the most American League representatives in this year’s Midsummer Classic.

Below is a breakdown of Cleveland’s five All-Stars for the 2024 campaign, the team’s most since 2018.

This year marks the 31-year-old’s fourth consecutive All-Star selection, and sixth overall.

Ramírez ranks top-six in MLB in: RBI (76, second), home runs (23, tied for fourth), total bases (182, sixth), runs (68, sixth), and extra-base hits (42, tied for sixth).

2024 marks the 26-year-old’s first career All-Star selection. The left fielder has been one of MLB’s premier hitters this year, and has won an American League Gold Glove Award each of the last two seasons.

Kwan leads MLB with a .364 batting average, while ranking top-10 in on-base percentage (.419, third), OPS (.957, sixth), and slugging percentage (.538, 10th).

The Guardians closer is heading to his third consecutive All-Star Game. The 26-year-old ranks second in MLB with 27 saves, while tallying a 0.85 ERA, 39 strikeouts, and a 0.64 WHIP.

Naylor has been named an All-Star for the first time. The 27-year-old has been one of MLB’s most productive power hitters this season, ranking fifth in RBI (66) and tied for eighth in home runs (21).

The Cleveland utilityman is off to his first career All-Star Game in his first full MLB season. In 66 games this year, the 28-year-old is hitting .306 with 57 hits, 14 doubles, eight home runs, 33 RBI, and a .920 OPS.