2002 Lima, Ohio, apartment shooting

2002 double murder in Lima, Ohio April 2026 April 2026 Lima, Ohio, United States January 3, 2002 Murder by shootingRobbery 2 6 Gun Jeronique CunninghamCleveland Jackson Guilty JacksonAggravated murderAttempted aggravated murderAggravated robberyCunninghamAggravated murderAttempted aggravated murderAggravated robbery yes JacksonDeath (August 5, 2002) CunninghamDeath (June 26, 2002) On January 3, 2002, in Lima, Ohio, United States, a pair of brothers, Jeronique Dwayne Cunningham (born August 13, 1972)https://appgateway.drc.ohio.gov/OffenderSearch/Search/Details/A428323 Offender Details - JERONIQUE D CUNNINGHAM Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction April 19, 2026 and Cleveland Ramon Jackson (born June 26, 1978),https://appgateway.drc.ohio.gov/OffenderSearch/Search/Details/A429404 Offender Details - CLEVELAND R JACKSON Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction April 19, 2026 committed a robbery at a home in order to steal money and drugs. During the robbery itself, both Cunningham and Jackson rounded up the eight people present at the house, and shot all of them."CAPTURED; Shooting suspects caught in Dayton motel" The Lima News, January 6, 2002, pg 1. Of all the eight occupants in the house, 17-year-old Leneshia Williams and three-year-old Jayla Grant died of fatal gunshot wounds while the remaining six were wounded but survived. Jackson and Cunningham were both arrested, tried and convicted of aggravated murder, and sentenced to death. As of 2026, the brothers still remain on death row, and Jackson's death sentence is scheduled to be carried out on June 13, 2029. Murders On January 3, 2002, 23-year-old Cleveland Ramon Jackson Jr. and 29-year-old Jeronique D. Cunningham, who were half-brothers, planned to commit robbery at the home of a 28-year-old drug dealer named LaShane Liles. That evening, the brothers armed themselves with guns and went to Liles's apartment in Lima, Ohio. At that time, Liles was not at home, but seven relatives and friends of his were inside the apartment. Liles himself later returned to the apartment, and engaged in a discussion about a drug transaction with Jackson, while Cunningham stayed at the living room and watched the television with three of the occupants: 18-year-old Coron Liles, 15-year-old Dwight D. Goodlowe and 17-year-old Leneshia Williams.State v Jackson [2005], Ohio Supreme Court (United States). After some time, Cunningham made his move. Brandishing his gun, he ordered Coron, Goodlowe and Williams into the kitchen, and struck Coron in the jaw with his gun barrel when the boy did not immediately comply with his orders. Jackson also whipped out his gun and held Liles at gunpoint, forcing him to hand over money and drugs. The remaining four occupants, three-year-old Jayla Grant and her 27-year-old father James Grant, Liles' 24-year-old fiancée Tomeaka J. Grant, and 26-year-old Armetta Robinson were also ordered into the kitchen.Victims of Lima tragedy begged gunmen not to shoot 3-year-old child January 5, 2002 Toledo Blade https://www.toledoblade.com/frontpage/2002/01/05/Victims-of-Lima-tragedy-begged-gunmen-not-to-shoot-3-year-old-child.html After he gave Jackson the money and drugs, Liles was herded into the kitchen like the other seven victims, and the brothers demanded he give them more cash, but Liles insisted he already gave them all he had. As a result, Liles was shot in the back by Jackson. Subsequently, both Cunningham and Jackson fired more shots at the other seven people, including three-year-old Jayla Grant, who was shot in spite of the others' pleas to have her life spared. After the shooting, the two men departed from the residence, leaving behind the eight victims. In spite of his wounds, Liles was able to contact the police regarding the shooting. Of the eight victims, Grant and Williams were killed in the shooting. The other six — including Grant’s father — were hospitalized and survived after receiving medical care; Tomeaka and Robinson were taken to the St. Rita's Medical Center while the rest were taken to Lima Memorial Hospital. Among them, Robinson remained in a coma for several weeks due to a gunshot wound to the head. Tomeaka lost her left eye after being shot in the head and also suffered a gunshot wound to her arm. James sustained five gunshot wounds affecting his head, arm, and hand. Goodlowe suffered a fractured rib when a bullet grazed his chest. Coron was shot in the face, resulting in the loss of some teeth and injuries to his mouth. According to the deputy coroner, Williams died from a single gunshot wound to the back of her head. Grant, meanwhile, sustained two gunshot wounds to the head—one above her right ear and another behind it—both of which penetrated her skull and proved fatal. Trials of Cunningham and Jackson Charges On January 6, 2002, three days after the shooting, the brothers' whereabouts were traced to a motel in Dayton after Lima Police traced them using cell phone data and after the police surrounded the motel, both Jeronique Cunningham and Cleveland Jackson surrendered themselves to the police and were thus arrested for the murders.2 men arrested in fatal shootings of 3-year-old, teen January 6, 2002 Chicago Tribune https://www.chicagotribune.com/2002/01/06/2-men-arrested-in-fatal-shootings-of-3-year-old-teen/ Police peacefully arrest 2 men in Ohio killings January 6, 2002 The Deseret News https://www.deseret.com/2002/1/6/19630095/police-peacefully-arrest-2-men-in-ohio-killings/ After their arrests, on January 8, 2002, both Jackson and Cunningham were first charged with felonious assault for the shooting of one of the surviving victims.$1M bond set for pair suspected in Lima deaths January 8, 2002 Toledo Blade https://www.toledoblade.com/local/2002/01/08/1M-bond-set-for-pair-suspected-in-Lima-deaths/stories/200201080030 On January 11, 2002, a special Allen County grand jury formally indicted both Jackson and Cunningham for two counts of aggravated murder with firearm and death-penalty specifications, one count of aggravated robbery with a firearm specification, and six counts of attempted aggravated murder with a firearm specification. Additionally, Cunningham's charges also carried repeat violent offender specifications, which could lead to an additional ten-year prison term if found guilty.2 Lima men indicted in apartment slayings January 11, 2002 Toledo Blade https://www.toledoblade.com/Print-Furniture/2002/01/11/2-Lima-men-indicted-in-apartment-slayings/stories/200201110031 Cunningham thumb|Jeronique Cunningham On June 10, 2002, Cunningham became the first of the two brothers to stand trial before the Allen County Common Pleas Court, and jury selection began on the same day.Trial starts today for 1st defendant in Lima slayings Toledo Blade June 10, 2002 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/2002/06/10/Trial-starts-today-for-1st-defendant-in-Lima-slayings/stories/200206100005 Opening statements were made on June 14, 2002, after a jury was convened to hear the case.Lima shooting trial under way Toledo Blade June 14, 2002 https://www.toledoblade.com/Print-Furniture/2002/06/14/Lima-shooting-trial-under-way/stories/200206140020 On June 19, 2002, the jury found Cunningham guilty of all nine criminal charges: one count of aggravated robbery, six counts of attempted aggravated murder, and two counts of aggravated murder.Lima jury convicts defendant of murder June 19, 2002 Toledo Blade https://www.toledoblade.com/local/2002/06/19/Lima-jury-convicts-defendant-of-murder/stories/200206190001 On June 21, 2002, the jury unanimously recommended two death sentences for both the murders of Grant and Williams.Lima jury supports gunman's execution June 21, 2002 Toledo Blade https://www.toledoblade.com/frontpage/2002/06/21/Lima-jury-supports-gunman-s-execution.html On June 26, 2002, Allen County Common Pleas Judge Richard Warren formally sentenced Cunningham to death for the double murder, setting a tentative execution date of January 3, 2003 for the defendant, although the execution would be stayed while pending a mandatory appellate review by the state higher courts.Toddler killer gets death penalty June 26, 2002 Portsmouth Daily Times https://books.google.com.sg/books?id=L8xFAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA3&dq=Jeronique+Cunningham&article_id=1852,5208624 January execution scheduled for killer June 26, 2002 Toledo Blade https://www.toledoblade.com/Print-Furniture/2002/06/26/January-execution-scheduled-for-killer/stories/200206260009 Jackson thumb|Cleveland Jackson On July 16, 2002, Jackson was officially put on trial for the murders of Grant and Williams, and jury selection commenced that same day.Jury Seating To Begin For 2nd Lima Murder Suspect July 16, 2002 Toledo Blade https://books.google.com.sg/books?id=hWRPAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA24&dq=Murders+of+Jala+Grant+and+Leneshia+Williams&article_id=1656,203243 On July 23, 2002, the opening day of Jackson's trial, Jackson's defence counsel argued that their client only fired a single shot at one of the six surviving victims with his 380-caliber semi-automatic pistol, but never fired any further shots at the rest of the victims, and pinpointed Cunningham as the person who fired most of the shots at all the eight victims and hence killed both Grant and Williams.Defendant shot pistol only once, lawyer says July 23, 2002 Toledo Blade https://www.toledoblade.com/frontpage/2002/07/23/Defendant-shot-pistol-only-once-lawyer-says/stories/ However, at one point during his trial, Grant's father (one of the six survivors in the shooting) testified that he tried to shield his daughter from the shots, and described that the shorter of the two killers, who was identified as Jackson, turned to Cunningham and nodded his head before the both of them began to continuously shoot the victims.Dad Says He Shielded Daughter From Shots July 25, 2002 Toledo Blade https://books.google.com.sg/books?id=jWRPAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA30&dq=Murders+of+Jala+Grant+and+Leneshia+Williams&article_id=4830,2792982 On July 26, 2002, the jury found Jackson guilty of two counts of aggravated murder, one count of aggravated robbery, and six counts of attempted aggravated murder.Lima jury convicts 2nd man in killings July 26, 2002 Toledo Blade https://www.toledoblade.com/local/2002/07/26/Lima-jury-convicts-2nd-man-in-killings/stories/200207260005 Man Found Guilty In Fatal Shootings Of Toddler, Teen June 26, 2002 The Bryan Times https://books.google.com.sg/books?id=RpsJAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA8&dq=Jeronique+Cunningham&article_id=4352,3534260 On July 30, 2002, the jury recommended the death penalty for Jackson on both counts of aggravated murder.Jackson jury asks for death penalty July 31, 2002 Toledo Blade https://books.google.com.sg/books?id=k2RPAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA24&dq=Murders+of+Jala+Grant+and+Leneshia+Williams&article_id=5497,4933855 Man sentenced to death in shootings July 31, 2002 The Bryan Times https://books.google.com.sg/books?id=SpsJAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA14&dq=Murders+of+Jala+Grant+and+Leneshia+Williams&article_id=5164,4121820 On August 5, 2002, Jackson was formally sentenced to death for murdering Williams and Grant. During sentencing, Allen County Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey Reed remarked that the heinous actions of Jackson placed him "in that narrow class of murderers who deserve society's ultimate punishment."Girls' killer is sentenced to death August 6, 2002 Toledo Blade https://www.toledoblade.com/local/2002/08/06/Girls-killer-is-sentenced-to-death.html Appeals Cunningham's appeals On October 26, 2004, Jeronique Cunningham appealed to the Ohio Supreme Court to overturn his conviction and grant him a re-trial.Convicted killer's lawyer asks Ohio Supreme Court for a new trial October 27, 2004 Toledo Blade https://www.toledoblade.com/local/2004/10/27/Convicted-killer-s-lawyer-asks-Ohio-Supreme-Court-for-a-new-trial.html/stories/200410270056 On December 30, 2004, the Ohio Supreme Court upheld Cunningham's death sentences and dismissed his appeals.Death sentence upheld for Lima man December 30, 2004 Toledo Blade https://www.toledoblade.com/local/2004/12/30/Death-sentence-upheld-for-Lima-man.html/stories/200412300089 State v Cunningham [2004], Ohio Supreme Court (United States). On June 25, 2014, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals allowed Cunningham's appeal and permitted him to request for a new trial.Court: Ohio death row inmate can ask for new trial June 5, 2014 Toledo Blade https://apnews.com/article/ohio-cincinnati-50d5c1f814dc4e12b4c4257448383f87 Eureka Street shooter seeks new trial Hometown Stations June 25, 2014 https://www.hometownstations.com/news/eureka-street-shooter-seeks-new-trial/article_3215fb74-1101-5f21-b38d-9895d134657e.html On May 22, 2015, Cunningham appeared at the Allen County Common Pleas Court and filed a motion seeking a new trial.2002 Eureka Street killer seeks new trial Hometown Stations May 22, 2015 https://www.hometownstations.com/news/2002-eureka-street-killer-seeks-new-trial/article_7620c7d7-529d-541d-98c7-d0151800084e.html On September 10, 2015, Cunningham's application for a new trial was rejected by Allen County Common Pleas Court Judge David Cheney.Death row inmate's new trial request denied Hometown Stations September 10, 2015 https://www.hometownstations.com/news/death-row-inmates-new-trial-request-denied/article_e603bc7e-2f2a-5f92-b737-87c3c39c947a.html On August 24, 2020, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Cunningham's application for an expanded certificate of appealability (COA).Cunningham v Shoop [2020], 6th Circuit Court of Appeals (United States). On January 13, 2022, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals ordered a new hearing into Cunningham's claims of alleged juror bias.Federal court grants hearing for Jeronique Cunningham Hometown Stations January 13, 2022 https://www.hometownstations.com/news/federal-court-grants-hearing-for-jeronique-cunningham/article_cea3fefa-74c2-11ec-ae68-4fc954dab4fd.html On April 16, 2022, Cunningham filed a new appeal, seeking to have his death sentence commuted to life without parole on the basis that he suffered from a serious mental illness at the time of the murders.Lima man seeks to have death penalty vacated The Lima News Yahoo News April 16, 2022 https://www.yahoo.com/news/lima-man-seeks-death-penalty-040100629.html?guccounter=1 On November 14, 2022, by a majority vote, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the ruling of the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals to review the juror bias allegations raised by Cunningham. Justice Clarence Thomas, one of the three dissenting judges, criticized the ruling and stated that the lower court had gone against the precedents set by the court to "continually granting relief to death row prisoners".Dissenting justices balk at order to study juror bias Courthouse News Service November 14, 2022 https://www.courthousenews.com/dissenting-justices-balk-at-order-to-study-juror-bias/ Jackson's appeals On October 4, 2004, Cleveland Jackson's appeal was denied by the Ohio Court of Appeals.State v Jackson [2004], 2004-Ohio-5350, Ohio Court of Appeals (United States). On March 30, 2005, Jackson filed a direct appeal to the Ohio Supreme Court, and his lawyers argued that Jackson was denied a fair trial.Murderer denied fair trial in Lima case, attorney says March 31, 2005 Toledo Blade https://www.toledoblade.com/local/2005/03/31/Murderer-denied-fair-trial-in-Lima-case-attorney-says.html/stories/200503310090 On November 23, 2005, after hearing Jackson's appeal, the Ohio Supreme Court overturned one of Jackson's death sentences for the murder of Grant, but at the same time, they unanimously affirmed Jackson's other death sentence for the murder of Williams.1 of 2 death sentences stands for Lima killer November 24, 2005 Toledo Blade https://www.toledoblade.com/local/2005/11/24/1-of-2-death-sentences-stands-for-Lima-killer/stories/200511240045 Subsequently, Jackson was re-sentenced to life imprisonment for Grant's murder, although he remained on death row for Williams's murder.Killer Still Facing Death Despite Life Term In 1 Case November 29, 2006 Toledo Blade https://books.google.com.sg/books?id=kmxPAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA3&dq=Murders+of+Jala+Grant+and+Leneshia+Williams&article_id=6453,3972097 On July 24, 2012, Jackson's appeal against his remaining death sentence was rejected by the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.Court upholds death sentence July 25, 2012 Toledo Blade https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2012/07/25/Court-upholds-death-sentence/stories/201207250075 Jackson v Houk [2012], 6th Circuit Court of Appeals (United States). On August 10, 2020, Jackson's post-conviction petition was turned down by the Ohio Court of Appeals.State v Jackson [2020], Ohio Court of Appeals (United States). Scheduled execution of Jackson On August 13, 2013, the Ohio Supreme Court signed a death warrant for Cleveland Jackson, scheduling his execution to take place on November 17, 2015.2015 execution date set for condemned Ohio killer August 13, 2013 Akron Beacon Journal https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/state/2013/08/13/2015-execution-date-set-for/10661261007/ Court sets 2015 execution for Lima killer August 13, 2013 The Columbus Dispatch https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/crime/2013/08/13/court-sets-2015-execution-for/24123451007/ Subsequently, in October 2015, Jackson's execution date was postponed and changed to September 13, 2018.Ohio delays executions another year Cleveland October 20, 2015 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2015/10/20/Ohio-delays-executions-another-year.html/stories/20151019312 By October 2016, Jackson was one of 26 death row inmates whose executions were scheduled in Ohio between January 2017 and October 2019.Waiting to die: 26 men scheduled for execution in Ohio Cleveland October 4, 2016 https://www.cleveland.com/court-justice/2016/10/waiting_to_die_26_men_schedule.html On July 20, 2018, Governor John Kasich granted a temporary stay of execution for Jackson and reset a new execution date of May 29, 2019, while at the same time, Governor Kasich commuted the death sentence of Raymond Tibbetts to life without parole; Tibbetts was originally set to be executed on October 17, 2018, before he was granted clemency upon the state parole board's recommendation.Gov. Kasich pushes September execution to May; spares life of another death row inmate WKYC July 20, 2018 https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/ohio/gov-kasich-pushes-september-execution-to-may-spares-life-of-another-death-row-inmate/95-576057801 Cleveland Jackson's execution pushed back to May 2019 Hometown Stations July 20, 2018 https://www.hometownstations.com/news/cleveland-jacksons-execution-pushed-back-to-may-2019/article_a85bda9b-656d-5062-bfd1-4b293de14a62.html On March 7, 2019, Jackson and two other inmates were each granted a six-month reprieve by Governor Mike DeWine (who succeeded Kasich as governor), and Jackson's execution date was postponed from May 29 until November 13, 2019.Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine delays 3 more executions after judge compares method to 'waterboarding' Cincinnati Enquirer March 7, 2019 https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/politics/2019/03/07/ohio-governor-delays-3-more-executions/3091289002/ Gov. Mike DeWine delays three more executions as review of death drugs continues Cleveland March 7, 2019 https://www.cleveland.com/politics/2019/03/gov-mike-dewine-delays-three-more-executions-as-search-for-new-death-drugs-continues.html On September 30, 2019, Jackson's execution date was postponed to two years later on January 13, 2021, in light of a disciplinary misconduct complaint he filed against his lawyers for alleged negligence in handling his case.Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine delays November execution of condemned killer WKYC September 30, 2019 https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/crime/gov-mike-dewine-delays-november-execution-of-condemned-killer/95-8ddf2f79-1532-4dd4-a82f-9440cc539e6d Ohio murderer’s execution date again postponed after misconduct complaint against his lawyers Cleveland September 30, 2019 https://www.cleveland.com/open/2019/09/ohio-murderers-execution-date-again-postponed-after-misconduct-complaint-against-his-lawyers.html On September 4, 2020, the date of Jackson's execution was re-scheduled on June 15, 2023, after Governor DeWine granted a three-year execution reprieve for Jackson and another two inmates facing execution in early 2021.Cleveland killer, other death row inmates’ executions delayed as Ohio struggles to find new lethal-injection drugs Cleveland September 5, 2020 https://www.cleveland.com/open/2020/09/cleveland-killer-other-death-row-inmates-executions-delayed-as-ohio-struggles-to-find-new-lethal-injection-drugs.html Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Delays Three Executions Amidst Drug Shortage CBS News September 5, 2020 https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/ohio-death-penalty-executions-delayed/ On November 10, 2022, Governor DeWine granted a three-year stay of execution for three inmates, including Jackson, whose execution date was postponed to July 15, 2026.Ohio Gov. DeWine issues reprieves for 3 facing execution WANE November 10, 2022 https://www.wane.com/top-stories/ohio-gov-dewine-issues-reprieves-for-3-facing-execution/ Gov. DeWine changes execution dates for 3 death row inmates Dayton 24/7 Now November 10, 2022 https://dayton247now.com/news/local/gov-dewine-changes-execution-dates-for-3-death-row-inmates On January 30, 2026, Governor DeWine issued another stay of execution for Jackson, Danny Lee Hill and Gerald Hand, and their execution dates were pushed back to 2029. Jackson's execution date was reset as June 13, 2029.Governor DeWine delays executions of several inmates WFMJ January 30, 2026 https://www.wfmj.com/story/53416613/governor-dewine-delays-executions-of-several-inmates Lima killer’s execution delayed another 3 years Toledo Blade January 30, 2026 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/01/30/lima-killer-cleveland-jackson-execution-delayed-ohio.html/stories/20260130122 Aftermath As of 2026, both Cleveland Jackson and Jeronique Cunningham remain incarcerated on death row at the Ross Correctional Institution. The 2002 Lima apartment shooting was regarded as one of the most notorious crimes to happen in Ohio.The most notorious person from each of Ohio's 88 counties Cleveland September 28, 2016 https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2016/09/the_most_notorious_person_from.html In March 2004, two years after the shooting, one of the six surviving victims, LaShane Liles, was arrested and charged with cocaine trafficking, and sentenced to 16 years in prison.Lima drug dealer sentenced to 16 years Toledo Blade March 26, 2004 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/2004/03/26/Lima-drug-dealer-sentenced-to-16-years/stories/200403260049 See also Capital punishment in Ohio List of death row inmates in the United States Ohio List of people scheduled to be executed in the United States List of mass shootings in the United States References Category:2002 in Ohio Category:2002 murders in the United States Category:Capital murder cases Category:Child murder in Ohio Category:Deaths by firearm in Ohio Category:2002 mass shootings in the United States Category:January 2002 crimes in the United States Category:Murder in Ohio Category:Mass shootings involving semi-automatic pistols in the United States