Damarion Whitsett, 16, was found with multiple gunshot wounds behind the abandoned Audubon Middle School in Cleveland on May 30, 2023. Emergency services arrived around 6:57 PM and he was pronounced dead shortly after; the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death was gunshot wounds to the head. Cleveland police opened a homicide investigation and the homicide unit reported it was gathering evidence and interviewing potential witnesses.

No arrests have been announced. The case has intensified concern about youth gun violence in the neighborhood as family and local advocates mourn and call for justice. If anyone saw activity near the abandoned Audubon Middle School that evening or has information about Damarion’s death, please contact the Cleveland Police homicide unit.