CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley announced that 16-year-old Darien Harris (15 at the time of the incident) pleaded guilty to Murder for shooting and killing 17-year-old Sincere Rowdy after a Euclid football game. In addition, four juveniles were shot during the incident. He was sentenced to life in prison with the first eligibility of parole after 20 years.

“Darien Harris’s reckless actions took the life of a 17-year-old Sincere Rowdy and injured several others. Gun violence among our youth continues to devastate families and communities.”

Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley

On August 30, 2024, around 10:30 p.m., Darien Harris, Sincere Rowdy, and a group of juveniles were gathered in front of the Euclid Fire Station near East 222nd Street and Tracy Avenue in Euclid. The group of juveniles began to migrate to the south side of the station. One of the juveniles stated to Darien Harris, “you ain’t going to blow it.” Darien Harris then hid behind a car and fired at least eight shots. Harris then immediately fled the scene.

Several juveniles were struck by the bullets, including two 17-year-old males, two 16-year-old males, and one 15-year-old male. Euclid Police Department (EPD), Euclid EMS, and the Euclid Fire Department all responded to the scene. All five juveniles were transported to a nearby hospital, and 17-year-old Sincere Rowdy was later pronounced deceased. The other four juveniles were treated for their injuries.

The investigation was conducted by EPD. Witness statements, phone records, and firearm evidence linked Darien Harris to the incident. After he was identified by law enforcement, he was arrested by EPD on August 31, 2024.

The State filed a Discretionary Bindover Motion in Juvenile Court. On March 31, 2025, Cuyahoga County Juvenile Judge Nicholas Celebrezze found Darien Harris was not amenable to Juvenile Court and transferred the case to the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. The case was then presented to a grand jury.

 

On October 20, 2025, Darien Harris pleaded guilty to the following charges:

  • One count of Murder (2903.02(B))
  • One count of Felonious Assault

He was sentenced to life in prison with the first eligibility of parole after 20 years.