Crime
Cuyahoga County Grand Jury Indicts 18-Year-Old in Fatal Shooting of Two Teens Found in Stolen Car
Police found 17-year-old Khalyn White and 16-year-old Julius Barron, both deceased from gunshot wounds to the head.
An 18-year-old Cleveland man has been indicted by a Cuyahoga County grand jury in connection with the shooting deaths of a 17-year-old and a 16-year-old, both of whom were found deceased inside a stolen vehicle with gunshot wounds to the head.
According to a news release from Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley, officers responded around 1 a.m. on January 14 to reports of a stolen vehicle that had crashed into a utility pole near Warner Road and Jefferies Avenue in Cleveland.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Phoenix Brown, 18, of Cleveland, walking away from the crash site with his clothing covered in blood.
Brown attempted to flee the scene and was apprehended after a brief foot chase along Force Avenue, during which he allegedly discarded a firearm.
Authorities used a mobile fingerprint scanner to confirm his identity after he initially refused to provide it to officers.
Inside the crashed 2020 Kia Soul—reported stolen two days earlier from the area of Lee Road and Harvard Avenue—police found 17-year-old Khalyn White and 16-year-old Julius Barron, both deceased from gunshot wounds to the head.
Investigators later confirmed that a spent shell casing recovered from the vehicle matched the firearm that Brown allegedly discarded during his attempted escape.
On Thursday, Brown was formally indicted on 13 counts, including aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault, receiving stolen property, tampering with evidence, and possession of a weapon while under disability.
“The level of violence being committed by young individuals is devastating our community,” Prosecutor O’Malley stated. “We remain committed to holding violent offenders accountable, and with this indictment, my office is ensuring that justice is served.”
Brown is scheduled for arraignment on Tuesday, January 28, according to court records.
Cleveland police continue to investigate the incident, and further details may be released as the case progresses.
HOUSTON, TX – After an extensive search and an AMBER Alert issued over the weekend, 15-month-old Matheo Vasquez has been safely found. According to authorities, a family member is now in custody of the child and will be meeting with law enforcement officials.
However, questions remain about Matheo’s whereabouts during the time he was missing, and further details are under investigation.
The AMBER Alert for Matheo was activated after he was last seen on Saturday evening, January 25, around 5:20 p.m., in the 15000 block of Green Stone Drive.
The toddler was reportedly wearing a black sweater and black pants at the time of his disappearance. Matheo is described as being 2 feet tall and weighing approximately 20 pounds.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children initially reported that Matheo was believed to be with 25-year-old Jason Irwin Vasquez, who is now wanted for kidnapping.
Jason Vasquez is described as being 5 feet, 6 inches tall and has a tattoo on his right hand. Authorities believed he was driving a 2016 dark gray GMC Sierra four-door pickup truck with Texas license plate JZY5720.
The exact relationship between Jason Vasquez and Matheo has not been clarified. It has been confirmed, however, that Matheo was not found with Jason Vasquez at the time of his recovery, according to a source close to the investigation.
Authorities are continuing to investigate Matheo’s disappearance and the circumstances surrounding his recovery. Officials have not disclosed how Matheo was located or who facilitated his safe return to family members.
Jason Vasquez remains wanted for questioning and is considered a person of interest in this case. Law enforcement agencies are working diligently to locate him and determine the full scope of events leading to the issuance of the AMBER Alert.
Authorities are urging the public to assist with any information that might help locate Jason Vasquez or shed light on the case. Anyone with relevant details is encouraged to contact the following numbers:
- Harris County Sheriff’s Office: 713-755-7427
- Investigator Benavides: 832-262-5238
- Investigator Quintanilla: 713-262-5193
- Crime Stoppers: 713-222-TIPS (8477)
Community and Law Enforcement Response
The safe recovery of Matheo Vasquez has brought relief to his family and the local community. Law enforcement officials, including the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, have expressed their gratitude to everyone involved in the search efforts.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available regarding the ongoing investigation.