Cleveland Community Mourns Two Lives Lost in Tragic Late-Night Shooting Near East 104th
CLEVELAND, OH — Heartbreak has once again struck the city of Cleveland, as a late-night shooting near East 104th Street left two people dead and an entire neighborhood searching for answers. The incident occurred just before midnight, transforming what had been an ordinary evening into one filled with chaos, grief, and disbelief.
Among the victims was Stefani Aikens, a beloved community member whose warmth and kindness touched many lives. Friends and family describe Stefani as a caring, vibrant soul who brought laughter wherever she went. Her sudden passing has left those who knew her struggling to make sense of a senseless act.
According to Cleveland police, officers were dispatched to the area near East 104th and Churchill Avenue after reports of gunfire shortly before midnight. When they arrived, they discovered two individuals suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency responders attempted lifesaving measures at the scene before transporting both victims to a nearby hospital, where they later passed from their injuries.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the second victim, pending notification of family members. Detectives from the Cleveland Division of Police Homicide Unit are leading the investigation and are working to determine what led to the deadly encounter.
Early reports suggest the shooting may have stemmed from an altercation that escalated unexpectedly, though officials have not confirmed a motive. Police are reviewing area surveillance footage and canvassing nearby homes and businesses for witnesses. No arrests have been made as of Sunday morning, but investigators say they are pursuing several promising leads.
Neighbors who heard the gunfire described the terrifying moments that followed. “It was just before midnight — we heard about seven or eight shots in a row,” said one resident who asked not to be identified. “When I looked outside, I saw police lights everywhere. I just started praying for whoever it was.”
Community members have begun organizing a candlelight vigil at the site of the shooting to honor Stefani Aikens and the second victim. Friends have taken to social media to share memories and condolences, expressing shock that violence has again torn through their neighborhood.
“She was the kind of person who made everyone feel welcome,” wrote one close friend. “Cleveland has lost a light tonight.”
City leaders and local activists are also calling for calm and renewed efforts to address gun violence, which continues to claim lives across Cleveland’s neighborhoods. “We can’t keep losing our sons, daughters, and friends to senseless acts,” said one community advocate. “This isn’t just about one night — it’s about changing the future of our city.”
As investigators continue their work, police are urging anyone with information to contact the Cleveland Homicide Unit at (216) 623-5464 or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at (216) 252-7463.
For now, the East 104th community remains in mourning — bound together by sorrow, searching for peace, and holding onto the memory of those who were taken too soon.
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