Lopembe Zuberi Sumaili, a 35-year-old Congolese refugee, was fatally shot on October 29, 2021, inside a garage at a gathering in Cleveland’s Clark-Fulton neighborhood. Police say Sumaili was getting a plate of food when a gunshot was heard and he was struck. No bullets or weapon were recovered at the scene.

Multiple witnesses were present but none spoke English; a police officer who speaks Swahili assisted at the scene. Investigators have not determined whether the shooting was accidental or intentional, and no suspects or arrests have been announced. The language barrier and lack of physical evidence have made the inquiry difficult.

Sumaili’s family describe him as a father, husband, and active member of the local Congolese community; they have organized a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses. Does anyone who attended that gathering or who knew Sumaili have information that could help clarify what happened?