Cleveland, OH

Family releases statement ahead of funeral for fallen Cleveland officer Jamieson Ritter

Published

2 years ago

July 13, 2024

Family releases statement ahead of funeral for fallen Cleveland officer Jamieson Ritter

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Fallen Officer Jamieson Ritter will be honored and laid to rest at his funeral in Webster, New York Saturday morning.

According to his obituary, Officer Ritter’s wake went from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday evening at Falvo Funeral Home.

His funeral Saturday will be at Browncroft Community Church at 10 a.m.

19 News will stream the funeral online beginning at 10 a.m.

The family of Officer Ritter released the following statement ahead of the funeral:

We are deeply saddened at the loss of our beloved family member who was tragically killed in the line of duty. As a Cleveland police officer and a leader in the Ohio National Guard, he selflessly served his nation, his state and his community with unwavering commitment and bravery. His courage and dedication to protecting others were the driving force in his life that has been tragically cut short.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of support from the Cleveland and Rochester communities during this difficult time. It is a testament to the impact that Jamieson had on those around him and the legacy he leaves behind.
We kindly ask for privacy as our family collectively mourns his loss during this period of profound grief. We will remember him, and all those who have given their lives in defense of the nation and protection of our communities. While the community mourns the loss of a dedicated public servant, the Cleveland Police Department mourns the loss of a friend and colleague, the Ohio National Guard mourns the loss of a brother in arms, New York State mourns the loss of a native son – our family mourns the unfathomable loss of a son, a brother, a nephew, uncle and a cousin. We will forever remember him as a hero who gave his life in the line of duty.

Several Cleveland officers will travel to Webster for the funeral.

On Monday, hundreds of people attended the memorial service to honor Officer Ritter.

Officer Ritter, 27, was fatally shot in the line of duty while serving a felonious assault arrest warrant in the 1500 block of E. 80th St. around 1 a.m. on Thursday, July 4.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Fallen Cleveland officer Jamieson Ritter’s Ohio Army National Guard unit remembers his ‘selfless service’

The procession to the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist on Superior Avenue downtown began just after 9 a.m. Monday from Chambers Funeral Home in the 4200 block of Rocky River Dr.

Before arriving at the cathedral, the procession drove past the Cleveland Police Third District, where Officer Ritter was assigned.

Several people spoke during the memorial service; including, Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd, Sergeant 1st Class David Lucero of the Ohio Army National Guard and Officer Ritter’s partner, Cleveland Police Officer Brittany Vajusi.

“He was not just an officer,” Chief Todd said. “He was a guardian of our community, a beacon of hope, and a symbol of strength.”

Officer Vajusi said her partner truly impacted the neighborhoods they served.

“Whether it was stopping to buy kids birthday cakes when we saw them celebrating in their backyards, stopping to let little boys and girls get in the front seat of our zone car and look around,” Officer Vajusi said.

Officer Ritter will live on forever in their hearts as a hero.

“For all that 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,” Officer Vajusi said.

Cleveland 19 News is accepting condolences for the Ritter family.

Delawnte Hardy, 24, is charged with aggravated murder for the death of Officer Ritter. He is being held on a $5 million bond at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Cleveland police officer fatally shot in the city’s Hough neighborhood, suspect charged

Hardy was taken into custody immediately after the shooting on July 4.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Bond set at $5M for suspect in fatal shooting of Cleveland police officer

Garfield Heights Police Chief Mark Kaye said Hardy is also a suspect in the shooting of his grandma, Beatrice Porter, 63, on June 29.

Porter died from her injuries on July 4.

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Cleveland, OH

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Philadelphia 76ers – Cleveland Today

Published

3 hours ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

Rocket Arena
One Center Court, Cleveland, OH 44115

Witness the excitement of NBA basketball as the Cleveland Cavaliers host the Philadelphia 76ers at the Rocket Arena. These two Eastern Conference powerhouses will battle it out on the court in what promises to be a thrilling matchup.

Buy ticket

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Cleveland, OH

Massive sinkhole in downtown Cleveland nearly swallows car

Published

15 hours ago

March 8, 2026

Press Room

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Cleveland Police are on the scene of a large sinkhole in downtown that nearly swallowed a car.

Massive sinkhole in downtown Cleveland nearly swallows car(WOIO)

On Sunday morning, around 9 a.m., officers were on the scene of West St. Clair Avenue and West 3rd Street for a sinkhole.

The car was removed by a tow truck. A woman helped the driver safely exit the car.

The 72-year-old driver was miraculously able to drive off in his car.

The road is closed temporarily until repairs can be made. Motorists should avoid the area.

19 News has reached out to the city for more details.

This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.

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Cleveland, OH

Cleveland Police looking for missing 17-year-old mother and 4-month-old son

Published

1 day ago

March 8, 2026

Press Room

Cleveland Police looking for missing 17-year-old mother and 4-month-old son

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Cleveland police are asking the public’s help in finding 17-year-old Morgan Hall and her 4-month-old son, Messiah Hall.

17-year-old Morgan Hall and her 4-month-old son, Messiah Hall(Cleveland Police)

Police said Morgan left her apartment at 123 East 156th Street sometime after 10:00 p.m. Thursday and has not returned. Morgan has run away in the past, most recently on February 25, 2026.

Due to her age and the age of her infant son, Morgan is considered endangered.

Morgan is 5′2″, approximately 238 pounds, with brown eyes and green hair.

Messiah Hall is an infant weighing around pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Morgan may possibly be in the Harvard-Miles neighborhood area. Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts is asked to contact the Cleveland Division of Police Fifth District at (216) 623-5500 or the non-emergency at (216) 621-1234.

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