CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley announced that a Cuyahoga County grand jury has returned an indictment charging Jamar Skanes, 49, and Alontez Beasley, 34, for shooting and killing a 29-year-old mother in front of her children in Cleveland.

“Throughout my career as County Prosecutor, I have seen dozens of horrific cases. This case will stay with me for many years to come. It is unfathomable to think anyone could ambush and execute a mother in front of her two young children. My thoughts and prayers remain with her two daughters and their family during this difficult time.”

Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley

On January 10, 2024, the victim’s driver pulled into the victim’s apartment complex near Detroit Avenue and Berea Road in Cleveland. The victim, 29, and her two daughters, ages 6 and 10, were inside the vehicle. Jamar Skanes and Alontez Beasley were waiting for the victim to arrive. As the victim opened the vehicle door and began to unload groceries, one of the males approached her and shot her 17 times. Skanes and Beasley then fled the scene. The victim’s driver immediately drove her to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced deceased. The Cleveland Division of Police responded to the scene. On January 26, Skanes and Beasley were arrested.

There is an active Cleveland Municipal Court Aggravated Murder Warrant for a third individual involved in this incident. The U.S. Marshals Service’s Violent Fugitive Task Force is actively searching for this individual.

Jamar Skanes was indicted on the following charges:

  • One count of Aggravated Murder
  • Two counts of Murder
  • Five counts of Felonious Assault

Alontez Beasley was indicted on the following charges:

  • One count of Aggravated Murder
  • Two counts of Murder
  • One count of Involuntary Manslaughter
  • Five counts of Felonious Assault
  • One count of Having Weapons While Under Disability

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