Charles Shanklin, an 18-year-old from Shaker Heights, Ohio, was fatally shot inside the Shaker Heights Public Library on April 1, 2025. The shooting happened in the late afternoon around 4:45 p.m. Responding officers found Shanklin critically wounded, performed CPR and transported him to University Hospitals, where he died.

Shanklin was described as a hardworking young Black man who worked full time at Amazon and did DoorDash on his days off. He had recently bought his first car, a 2025 Honda, and was active in mentoring local youth, helping them get to work and encouraging positive activities. He enjoyed basketball and playing Fortnite on his PlayStation 5. Authorities have taken one person of interest into custody; officials say that person is a current student in the Shaker Heights City School District, though no identity has been released. The library remains closed while the investigation is ongoing.

He is survived by his parents, Stacey and Charles Shanklin, siblings and extended family. If anyone who knew Charles or witnessed the incident can share information with investigators, please come forward.