David Kittreles, a 21-year-old from Cleveland, Ohio, was fatally shot on March 21, 2022, aboard an RTA HealthLine bus near Euclid Avenue and East 30th Street. The shooting occurred during a fight on the bus; David was shot and later pronounced dead at the scene.

The shooter, identified as 28-year-old Delorn Martin of Cleveland, was arrested and charged with murder and contempt of court. The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office later determined that Ohio’s Stand Your Ground statute applied, finding the shooter had a reasonable fear of serious bodily harm or death, and no charges proceeded under that legal theory.

David’s family and friends have expressed grief and frustration over the decision not to pursue charges, and the incident has prompted discussion about the effects of Ohio’s self-defense law and public safety on transit. The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority said such incidents are rare and noted investments in security technology to help prevent future violence.

If anyone witnessed the March 21, 2022 fight or has information about the shooting, please share what is known.