CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley announced that Juwone Deaver, 29, and Jemerious Davis, 24, were found guilty for the Fourth of July shooting that killed Gracie Griffin.

“An innocent 10-year-old girl lost her life because too many guns are finding their way into the hands of stupid people. While this verdict does not bring back Gracie, it is a significant step in justice for her. My thoughts and prayers remain with her family.”

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 July 30, Juwone Deaver and Katie McKnight were arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service.

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

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

They will be sentenced at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center on July 8 at 8:30 a.m.

On August 16, 2024, Katie McKnight was indicted on the following charges:

  • Two counts of Obstructing Justice

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.