Cleveland police have arrested a 21-year-old woman in connection with a fatal shooting of a 12-year-old in the Buckeye neighborhood Friday.
Two 15-year-old boys have also been arrested and charged in the death of seventh grader Abdel Bashiti. Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams says the woman and the two teenagers know each other but declined to say how they are connected.
At a city hall press conference, Williams warned those associated with a crime are also subject to prosecution. “If you’re involved in a violent crime in the city in any way, shape or form,” said Williams, “then you’re subject to the same punishment as the person who actually pulled the trigger.”
Williams said he did not believe the shooting which also injured five boys between 14 and 16 years old was gang-related.
“This isn’t like an official gang rivalry more so than neighborhood disputes – different neighborhood kids having a beef with each other for whatever reason,” Williams said.
The woman’s name has not yet been released and she has not been charged, though Williams expects charges by Thursday.