Fifteen-year-old Mendrell Lavell Johnson Jr., known as MJ, was fatally shot on July 28, 2024 at a Shell gas station at East 140th Street and Rugby Road in Cleveland, Ohio. He was taken to University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, where he later died. The Cleveland Division of Police is investigating the homicide; no arrests have been announced and authorities have not released information about suspects or motive.

MJ was described as a vibrant teen who loved basketball, soccer, skating, and chess, and who had been matched with a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland in March 2020. His mother, Schrell Palmer, and the local community say his sense of humor and talents touched many lives. Detectives are following leads and ask anyone with information to contact the Cleveland Division of Police Homicide Unit.

If anyone saw what happened at the Shell station or has information that could help investigators, please come forward to assist MJ’s family and the ongoing inquiry.