According to Shaker Heights Police Chief Wayne Hudson, the Shaker Heights Police Department has arrested a 15-year-old Shaker Heights resident and the Office of the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor has charged him with several felony counts that include murder, felonious assault, and carrying a concealed weapon in connection with the fatal shooting yesterday of 18-year-old Shaker resident Charles Lee Shanklin.
The charges stem from an incident that took place yesterday at approximately 4:42 pm at the Main Shaker Heights Public Library, where Charles and the suspect were engaged in a physical altercation. According to Shaker Heights police, the suspect shot Charles and fled the building. Shaker Heights Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene to provide emergency medical care and transport Charles to University Hospitals, where he was pronounced dead.
The suspect was apprehended by Shaker police minutes later.
Social workers from the five-city First CALL program responded, providing counseling services at the library and the police department.
The Main Shaker Heights Public Library and the Bertram Woods Branch are both closed through Friday, April 4, reopening on Saturday, April 5. Shaker Heights High School is closed today, April 2, but counselors are available at each of the Shaker Heights City School District buildings to support students, staff, and families during this difficult time. High School students may also visit the High School to meet with a counselor between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m and High School students and families may call 216-295-4200 for support.
Those who left books, backpacks or other belongings in the Shaker Heights Public Library yesterday may collect them this afternoon (Wednesday, April 2), between 4:00 and 6:30 pm, at the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building, at 3450 Lee Rd. Library and Shaker police personnel will be on site. Materials not collected this evening will be available for collection at the library when it re-opens on Saturday.
Community Debriefing Meeting
A message from the City's First CALL mental health response program: Join us Thursday, April 3, from 5:00-6:00 pm at the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building as we come together with the Shaker Heights Police, and Fire departments, First CALL program representatives, clergy, and representatives of local mental health organizations to offer support in the wake of the events of April 1. Your well-being is our top priority, and we are here to provide the resources and assistance you need during this time. Together, we can heal and strengthen our community.
We will discuss:
- Overview of recent incident
- Coping strategies for stress
- Available community resources