East Cleveland Mourns After Family Dispute Turns Deadly
The East Cleveland community is in shock after a late-night shooting claimed the lives of 24-year-old Erik Sharp and his maternal grandfather, Charles Roscoe. The violence erupted around 11 p.m. Thursday near North Taylor Road, turning what began as a family disagreement into a night of tragedy and chaos.
Police confirmed that Aaron Sharp — Erik’s brother and Charles’s grandson — was arrested in connection with the shooting. He now faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder and felonious assault. The heartbreak deepened when two responding East Cleveland police officers were injured while attempting to contain the situation.
Two Lives Lost, a Community Shaken
According to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office, both Erik and Charles were found inside the home where the gunfire first broke out. Erik, remembered for his kindness and potential, had a future full of possibility. Charles, a respected family figure, was known for his wisdom, humor, and unwavering love for his children and grandchildren.
Their sudden deaths have left family, friends, and neighbors struggling to understand how tensions escalated so quickly — and how one night could change so many lives forever.
Violence, Courage, and Justice in Motion
The incident also highlighted the dangers law enforcement officers face in volatile situations. Officer Joshua Durda was injured during the initial response and underwent surgery, while Officer Brandon Hernandez was shot an hour later but has since recovered. Despite the danger, officers pushed forward to protect the neighborhood and locate the suspect.
A coordinated manhunt involving East Cleveland Police, the U.S. Marshals, and SWAT teams led to Aaron Sharp’s capture early Friday morning on Sheldon Avenue, near Shaw High School. The operation deployed drones and created a safety perimeter to secure the area.
As the city grapples with the loss, the deaths of Erik and Charles stand as a sobering reminder of the devastating cost of unresolved conflict. Beyond the crime scene and court proceedings are two lives cut short, a family torn apart, and a community searching for healing and answers.