Deonte Alexander Obituary, Death; Victim ID’d in West Side shooting; police still investigating suspect’s wounding

Deonte Alexander Obituary, Death – Authorities have identified the man killed in a West Side shooting that prompted a later confrontation between police and the suspected gunman, during which the suspect was wounded.

The victim, 38-year-old Deonte Alexander of Cleveland, was found around 1 p.m. Wednesday lying on the sidewalk in the 2200 block of West 73rd Street, just north of Clark Avenue. He had suffered a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Cuyahoga County medical examiner’s office confirmed Alexander’s identity on Friday, while police continue their investigation into the killing.

Following the shooting, officers received a description of a possible suspect. Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd said that officers located and confronted the individual, who was armed. During the encounter, police opened fire, striking the suspect. The wounded suspect was taken to a local hospital, where they were listed in stable condition.

The identity of the suspect has not been released, despite repeated inquiries from local media outlets seeking further details. Authorities have not disclosed whether the suspect pointed a gun at officers or what exactly led to the police shooting.

No officers were injured in the confrontation. The events have resulted in two separate investigations—one focusing on the original homicide and the other on the officer-involved shooting.

Chief Todd noted during a Wednesday press briefing that both investigations are ongoing and that more information will be provided as the cases develop.

The fatal shooting adds to Cleveland’s homicide count for the year, though overall numbers show a decline compared to 2024. As of now, police have recorded 64 homicides in 2025, which is nearly 19% lower than the 79 homicides reported during the same period last year.

Investigators are urging anyone with knowledge about either the initial shooting or the events leading to the police confrontation to come forward. Detectives are piecing together the timeline of events, including what occurred between the initial report of gunfire and the police locating the suspect.

The West Side neighborhood where the shooting occurred has experienced sporadic gun violence in recent months, though residents say the scale of police activity on Wednesday was unusual. Witnesses reported seeing multiple patrol cars and hearing several gunshots during the police encounter with the suspect.

Community members expressed concern over the violence, while also noting relief that the suspect was apprehended without loss of further life. City officials have said they will continue efforts to address violent crime through both enforcement and prevention initiatives.

For now, both Alexander’s killing and the police shooting remain under investigation, with authorities working to determine the motive for the homicide and the precise circumstances surrounding the confrontation with the armed suspect.