CLEVELAND – The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office announced that a Cuyahoga County grand jury has returned an indictment charging Dae-juan Moton, 24, on murder charges for shooting and killing 45-year-old Al Rice outside of Piada Italian Street Food in Mayfield Heights.

“This is exactly the kind of senseless gun violence that continues to damage our communities.
A man lost his life over a brief verbal exchange, and innocent bystanders were put in danger by stray bullets. Thankfully, no one else was hit.”

– Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley

On October 2, 2026, at approximately 4 p.m., Al Rice entered Piada Italian Street Food near Mayfield Road and Washington Boulevard in Mayfield Heights and met with two friends. Shortly after, Dae-juan Moton entered the restaurant. Following a brief verbal exchange, Rice and Moton exited the restaurant and walked to their vehicles. Rice then walked to Moton’s vehicle, and Moton shot Rice multiple times.

Rice’s two friends were outside during the shooting. Moton continued to fire, this time towards Rice’s two friends. At that time, one of the friends fired shots at Moton but missed.

The Mayfield Heights Police Department and Mayfield Heights Fire Department responded to the scene, and Moton was arrested. Rice was transported to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

n October 20, 2026, Dae’juan Moton was indicted on the following charges:

  • Two counts of Murder
  • Four counts of Felonious Assault

He will be arraigned at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center at a later date.