On Thursday afternoon, the peaceful neighborhood of Garden Valley was shaken by a tragedy when a shooting at a townhouse on East 49th Street resulted in the death of 16-year-old DeShawn T. Atkins, a promising football player, and another 15-year-old teen was injured. This incident, which took place in the heart of Cleveland's Third District, is yet another painful reminder of the relentless wave of violence that has engulfed American cities, leaving communities in mourning and prompting new calls for action.
According to Cleveland Police Public Information Officer Wilfredo Diaz, the call about gunshots came shortly before 7:00 PM, directing officers to an abandoned townhouse in the 2500 block of East 49th Street. At the scene, police found two teenagers shot. DeShawn T. Atkins, whom local councilor Richard A. Starr described as “a talented athlete with a bright future,” was transported to the hospital, where, unfortunately, he was pronounced dead. The second victim, a 15-year-old boy whose name has not been disclosed, remains under medical supervision.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Starr said in a conversation with journalists near the scene, his voice trembling with emotion. “DeShawn was not just an athlete. He was a son, a friend, part of our community. We lost someone special.”
The circumstances of the shooting remain unclear, and the Cleveland Police Homicide Unit is working intensively to gather details. According to Diaz, the townhouse where the shooting occurred was not rented, raising questions about why the teenagers were there and what could have provoked the violence. “We are doing everything possible to establish the sequence of events,” Diaz stated, urging the community to provide any information that might assist the investigation.
This tragedy is part of a disturbing trend in Cleveland, where, according to the police department, the number of violent crimes increased by 8% in 2025 compared to the previous year. Garden Valley, a neighborhood known for its tight-knit community but also social and economic challenges, has repeatedly been in the epicenter of such incidents. Local leaders, including Starr, have long advocated for increased youth programs and gun control initiatives, but progress remains slow.
“We cannot continue losing our children,” Starr emphasized, addressing the crowd gathered at an improvised memorial vigil near the scene. “We need resources, we need support, and most importantly, we need accountability.”
Cleveland Police urge anyone with information about the incident to contact the Homicide Unit at 216-623-5464 or anonymously report to Crime Stoppers at 216-252-7463. While the investigation continues, the Garden Valley community mourns the loss of a young life and seeks answers in hopes of preventing another tragedy.
This incident, reflecting a broader national gun violence crisis, raises complex questions about community safety, firearm access, and youth support in vulnerable neighborhoods. For Cleveland, as for many American cities, the path to addressing these issues remains long and difficult.
