In this edition of News Inside, we’re excited to share meaningful journalism that speaks to you.

Recognizing our work has broad statewide impact, our special section called Cleveland Focus, which we introduced in our last issue, is now Ohio Focus. It’s a move that better reflects our expanding reach and engagement efforts across the Buckeye State.

In this section, we share stories produced by our team at The Marshall Project – Cleveland. These are stories that directly impact people and families caught up in the criminal justice system in Ohio.

April marks Second Chance Month. It’s a time to raise awareness about the challenges faced by those of us who have been incarcerated. It’s also a time to celebrate victories in the ongoing struggle for formerly incarcerated people.

This month, Ohio Focus looks at two major issues: how the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court appoints public defenders or private attorneys to represent children accused of crimes, and the lack of support in place for people leaving the Cuyahoga County Jail.

After meeting with the local community and having been incarcerated myself, I know many people have been through this process, or those with children, grandchildren, and other family and friends who have experienced juvenile prosecution.

We hope that by detailing how our courts work, we can bring clarity to how children are represented in our county court system, using facts and data-driven reporting by our Marshall Project – Cleveland reporters.

During my years behind bars in Ohio, as I worked toward earning my parole, my thoughts were consumed by my reentry plan and concerns about the type of support I would receive upon returning to society.

One of my biggest fears was that the guidance I expected wouldn’t be there. That fear is real for folks leaving Cuyahoga County Jail. Our reporting at The Marshall Project – Cleveland has uncovered alarming accounts of the county’s failure to support individuals as they leave jail and the promises made to fix the problem.

We hope this becomes an ongoing conversation. We want to hear your concerns, opinions, or questions about prison. We also want to hear your stories, your past experiences, or your hopes for reconnecting with your family after regaining your freedom.

Readers in Ohio can email me at cleveland@themarshallproject.org.

We hope these stories inspire and empower you as you prepare to live the life you desire.

Want your loved one(s) to receive free future copies of News Inside? Fill out our registration form for individuals. For corrections staff or community members seeking bulk shipments of News Inside, please email your request to newsinside@themarshallproject.org.

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A Cleveland man with a lengthy criminal history has been indicted in connection with the December 2023 deaths of a mother and her young son.

Tony Williams, 48, is charged with three counts of involuntary manslaughter, heroin trafficking, and corrupting another with drugs.

According to the indictment, Williams provided the drugs that ultimately led to the deaths of 27-year-old Carliah Morris and 19-month-old Carson Morris.

The woman and her son were found dead inside of their East 114th Street apartment on Dec. 16.

Their bodies were discovered by officers who were conducting a welfare check prompted by Carliah’s mother, who told police she had not seen her daughter since Dec. 5.

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office recently determined that Carliah died from an accidental drug overdose, while Carson died as the result of starvation and extreme dehydration.

The toddler’s death has been ruled a homicide.

Investigators believe Williams is responsible for Carliah’s fatal overdose and that Carson’s death was the direct result of Williams giving drugs to the boy’s mother.

Williams was indicted on March 26. He pled not guilty to the charges and is being held on $10,000 bond.

Court records show Williams has more than two dozen felony convictions in Cuyahoga County, mostly for drug trafficking and possession.

He was arrested on Dec. 9, 2023 on warrants first issued in 2022 for failing to appear in court in two separate criminal cases.

Williams was released from jail on Dec. 12. after posing the $2,500 personal bond set by Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Brian Mooney,

Another arrest warrant was issued for Williams on March 21 after he failed to appear at a pretrial hearing.

He was taken into custody that same day and remains in the Cuyahoga County Jail, according to court records.

Williams is due back in court for a pretrial hearing on April 23.

19 Investigates reached out to his attorney for comment and will update this story if we receive a response.

Copyright 2024 WOIO. All rights reserved.

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Severe storms rolled through Northeast, Ohio Wednesday afternoon triggering tornado warnings and knocking power out to thousands of FirstEnergy customers. Click here for the latest power outage numbers.

A possible tornado was spotted by residents near Kent off Route 303.

A 19 News crew that traveled to Windham in Portage County spotted a lot of damage from the storm that blew through. People living on State Route 303 in Windham tell 19 News they received the tornado warning, extremely heavy rain fell, and within a matter of minutes, the damage was done.

Jacob Hurd of JBL Roofing and Construction says, “Yes. I believe it was a tornado. A number of apps say there was a touchdown.”

The damage ranged from numerous homes that had their roofs heavily damaged or ripped off by the power of the storm, large trees being totally uprooted, others trees had their limbs ripped off in what appeared to be a twisting pattern and there were tons of power lines down, not only on Route 303, but also on North Main Street and Crestview in Windham.

A possible tornado struck a post office in Bucyrus Ohio.

There are currently no reported injuries.

Severe damage to homes on N. Main Street in Windham.

A tornado watch remains in effect until Midnight.

This is a developing story there is a 19 News crew headed to Portage County to check on possible damage. Check back with 19 News for the latest information.

Copyright 2024 WOIO. All rights reserved.