Crime & Safety

Lakewood High School Student Shot, Killed in Cleveland

Sherwon Wanzo killed as he left a party on Cleveland's west side.

The Lakewood High School senior who was shot and killed in Cleveland early Sunday morning was remembered by his classmates for his charming personality and wide smile.

Sherwon Wanzo, 18, was shot in the head as he sat in a vehicle after he left a party on Cleveland’s west side, according to reports.

The driver headed back toward the party on Bosworth Avenue and called for help, according to cleveland.com. Wanzo was taken to MetroHealth Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 5:43 a.m.

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

Dozens of friends posted comments to Wanzo’s Facebook page on Sunday. And friends trickled by a makeshift memorial near the site of the shooting to pay their respects.

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One of Wanzo’s former  classmates remembered him a talkative and friendly student.

“I couldn’t see him getting into any trouble like this,” said Christophe Kochheiser of Lakewood. “He had nice personality.”

Another former classmate echoed similar sentiments.

"He always had a big smile on his face and he was a very friendly person," said Faydra Drennan. "The biggest thing to take note of is his big smile. He's definitely known for that."

Christine Gordillo, the spokeswoman for the , said that the high school will offer counseling for students on Monday — the first day back from spring break.

"This is sad and shocking," she said, adding that the principals as well as the district's superintendent are meeting tonight to discuss the issue.

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


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