Cleastore E. Jefferson, 42, was shot on the evening of July 21, 2020, on the 100 block of James Street in Utica, New York. Police found him on the sidewalk at about 8:20 p.m. with multiple gunshot wounds. Officers and emergency responders rendered aid at the scene; Jefferson was taken to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital after being stabilized and underwent emergency surgery. He died of his injuries the next day, July 22, 2020.

In the days after the shooting the Utica Police Department identified Justin Peak as a suspect. On August 12, 2020, Peak surrendered at Utica police headquarters in what was described as a peaceful turn-in involving his family, his attorney, and people in the mayor’s office.

If anyone has information about Jefferson’s last evening on James Street or saw activity in that area on the night of July 21, 2020, please come forward.