CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley announced that Juwone Deaver, 29, and Jemerious Davis, 24, were sentenced to life in prison with the first eligibility for parole after 25 years for the Fourth of July shooting that killed Gracie Griffin.

“Gracie Griffin’s death was heartbreaking and completely avoidable. While today cannot heal that loss, these sentences of 25 years to life send a clear message that senseless gun violence will not be tolerated.”

Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley

On July 4, 2024, around 7:10 p.m., there was a family gathering at a residence near West 125th Street and Triskett Road in Cleveland. Juwone Deaver, Jemerious Davis, Katie McKnight, 24, and 10-year-old Gracie Griffin were standing outside the residence with additional family and friends.

A vehicle with four occupants, two males, both 23, and two females, 20 and 23, drove to the same residence to attend the party. They drove past the residence, turned around, and pulled back in front of the residence. Deaver and Davis then opened fire shooting multiple times with a .45 caliber firearm and an AK-style firearm at the vehicle. Gracie Griffin was struck in the head during the shooting. The vehicle immediately sped away from the residence.

Several people called the police. The Cleveland Division of Police (CDP) responded to the scene and Gracie was transported to a nearby hospital. She was later pronounced deceased.

The investigation conducted by CDP revealed there was no evidence that incoming fire to the residence occurred — only evidence of outgoing fire from the residence. In addition, Katie McKnight and Ed’Jawon Williams provided false information to the police regarding the shooting.

On June 11, 2025, Juwone Deaver was found guilty on the following charges:

  • One count of Murder
  • Four counts of Felonious Assault
  • One count of Improperly Discharging A Firearm At Or Into A Habitation Or A School Safety Zone
  • Two counts of Discharge Of Firearm On Or Near Prohibited Premises

He was sentenced to life in prison with the first eligibility for parole after 25 years.

On June 11, 2025, Jemerious Davis was found guilty on the following charges:

  • One count of Murder
  • Four counts of Felonious Assault
  • One count of Improperly Discharging A Firearm At Or Into A Habitation Or A School Safety Zone
  • Two counts of Discharge Of Firearm On Or Near Prohibited Premises

He was sentenced to life in prison with the first eligibility for parole after 25 years.

On June 18, 2025, Katie McKnight pleaded guilty to the following charge:

  • One count of Obstructing Justice

She was sentenced to seven days in jail.

On May 5, 2025, Ed’Jawon Williams pleaded guilty to the following charge:

  • One count of Obstructing Justice

He was sentenced to 12 months in prison.