Sunny Ravi Patel was 15 when he was shot and killed on October 14, 2016, in Cleveland while working at his family’s Mr. Hero sandwich shop in Cleveland Heights. The shooter, 20-year-old Daveion Perry, entered just before 8 p.m. and shot Sunny within seconds of entering. After the shooting, Perry held Sunny’s uncle at gunpoint and demanded money from the register.

Perry faced multiple charges including aggravated murder, murder, two counts of felonious assault, two counts of aggravated robbery, and two counts of kidnapping for related incidents at a Subway and a Dollar General. He pleaded guilty to all charges in exchange for the prosecution dropping the death penalty and was later sentenced to life without parole. Family members delivered victim impact statements at sentencing; Perry expressed remorse and asked for forgiveness.

The community held vigils and fundraising efforts in Sunny’s memory. Mayfield High School students organized a candlelight vigil and wore Cleveland Cavaliers attire, and a GoFundMe raised over $37,000, later donated to organizations Sunny cared about. If anyone knew Sunny or has information about that night, please come forward to share memories or tips.