4-17-2017-ERNIE ALLEN’S-TOP STORY-
CLEVELAND (AP) — A manhunt is underway for a suspect that police say killed a man while streaming the homicide live on Facebook.
Law enforcement is searching the Cleveland area and beyond for Steve Stephens, the suspect police say walked up to an elderly man and shot him while on video, said Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams. The man has been identified as Robert Godwin, Sr., 74. Police say he had no connection to the shooter.
Robert Godwin, Sr. pictured below:
Godwin moments before he was killed by Stephens:
Williams urged Stephens publicly to turn himself into police and not to “do anymore harm to anybody.”
“Any problems he is having, we can have a conversation,” Williams said. In the video, Stephens claimed to have killed more than a dozen other people. Williams said police have not verified that information.
Before Stephen’s page was taken down, he said that he’d ‘snapped’ and that ‘Joy Lane,’ was the reason. Media reports suggest that she may be a girlfriend and the couple was in the midst of a breakup. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi and was apparently talking to a frat brother and telling him that he ‘f*(ed’ up’ and has shamed the fraternity. The fraternity confirmed his membership and offered their condolences to Godwin’s family.
“We lift our sincere and heartfelt prayers and condolences of comfort to the families impacted by the recent shooting in Cleveland,” Antonio F. Knox Sr. who holds the title of Grand Basileus in the fraternity told Cleveland.com. “On this Resurrection Sunday, we know that God is still sovereign and we will continue to lean on Him for strength, courage and direction.”
His girlfriend has been taken into protective custody by Cleveland police. His mother, according to police says he has had no other episodes in the past and urges him to turn himself in. Ironically, Stephens is a case manager at a mental health facility.
“There are no more victims that we know are tied to him,” he added.
The chief also said they’ve been talking with Stephens’ friends and family.
“What happened today was senseless,” Williams said.
Authorities say Stephens broadcast the video live on the social media network Sunday afternoon. It was up for about three hours before it was removed. Stephens Facebook page has also been removed.
Police say Stephens should be considered armed and dangerous. No information about the victim has been released.
Williams said Stephens may be driving a newer model white Ford Fusion. He is described as a black man with a bald head and beard, standing 6 foot 1 inch and weighing 240 pounds. Anyone with information is asked to call 911.
PHOTOS: Facebook
AP
