‘Crime Stoppers’ Looks to Solve Lakewood Student’s Murder

The case involving has gone cold.

It’s been six months, and no arrests have been made in the April senior. 

The case remains unsolved.

The producers of the TV show hope to change that.

A film crew recently wrapped up a re-enactment at the site of the shooting — near Bosworth Road and Linnet Avenue in Cleveland — to generate new interest in the case.

The episode is set to air on WKYC Channel 3 at 7 p.m. Saturday. 

Shawn Rech, executive producer of Crime Stoppers: Case Files — and the owner of Cleveland-based Pinpoint Media — said that the episode will examine the facts of the case in an attempt to get someone with information about the shooting to come forward. 

By all accounts, Wanzo was a charming and friendly student who didn’t cause trouble. 

“This was a really good kid and he doesn't seem to be an intentional target,” Rech said. “It's truly a case of wrong place, wrong time.”

The 18-year-old was shot in the head as he sat in a vehicle after he left a party on Cleveland’s west side in the early morning of April 15.

The driver headed back toward the party on Bosworth Avenue and called for help. Wanzo was taken to MetroHealth Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead later that morning.

According to news reports, the driver wasn't able to describe the shooter.

From there, the case went cold.

Cleveland police detectives reached out to Crime Stoppers for some TV exposure on the case.

 “They’re working on some things, but they need the public’s help finishing the job,” said Rech.  “The ones that do get solved usually involve an innocent victim.” 

“We’re hoping we have a good solid viewership,” he added. 

A reward, up to $2,000 is being offered, and tipsters can remain anonymous.

A detective with the Cleveland Police Department told Lakewood Patch earlier this year that anyone with information is encouraged to call the Homicide Unit at 216-623-5464.