East Cleveland Mourns Two Killed, Two Officers Injured in Domestic Shooting

East Cleveland, OH — The East Cleveland community is reeling after a devastating domestic shooting claimed the lives of 22-year-old Erik Sharp and 82-year-old Charles Roscoe, while also leaving two police officers injured. The tragic incident unfolded Saturday evening in what authorities describe as a violent and chaotic scene that has left residents in shock and mourning.

According to the East Cleveland Police Department, officers responded to reports of a domestic disturbance at a home on the 15000 block of Elderwood Avenue around 6:00 p.m. Upon arrival, officers were met with gunfire from inside the residence. In the ensuing exchange, two officers were struck and rushed to a local hospital. Both officers are reportedly in stable condition and are expected to recover.

Once the scene was secured, officers entered the home and discovered Sharp and Roscoe with fatal gunshot wounds. Emergency responders pronounced both men dead at the scene. Police have not yet released details about the exact relationship between the victims or the events that led up to the shooting, but early indications point to a domestic dispute that escalated into deadly violence.

Neighbors described hearing multiple shots and the sounds of sirens quickly filling the neighborhood. “I was in my kitchen when I heard the first shots,” said one resident. “Then it was like the whole block lit up with flashing lights and shouting. It’s something you never expect to happen right here.”

Investigators are piecing together the timeline of events and are working to determine the motive behind the violence. Authorities have confirmed that the suspected shooter was taken into custody and is being questioned. Charges are expected to be announced in the coming days.

The loss of Sharp and Roscoe has deeply shaken their loved ones. Friends of 22-year-old Erik Sharp described him as a young man with big dreams and a promising future, taken far too soon. “Erik was always smiling, always talking about what he wanted to do with his life,” a close friend shared. “It breaks my heart knowing he’s gone.”

Family members of 82-year-old Charles Roscoe say he was a beloved elder in the community, known for his kindness, wisdom, and warm spirit. “He was the kind of man everyone respected,” one relative said. “To lose him like this is just unimaginable.”

East Cleveland city leaders and community organizations are offering support to the victims’ families and the wounded officers. A candlelight vigil is being planned to honor Sharp and Roscoe, and residents are calling for more resources to address domestic violence before it turns deadly.

The East Cleveland Police Department is asking anyone with information about the incident to contact investigators. As the community mourns, the tragedy serves as yet another reminder of the devastating toll domestic violence takes—not only on families, but on entire neighborhoods.