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Three Indicted For Murder Of 9-year-old Girl Saniyah Nicholson

9-year-old Saniyah Nicholson was a victim of gun violence in Cleveland
9-year-old Saniyah Nicholson was a victim of gun violence in Cleveland

A grand jury today handed down an indictment on multiple charges against Ce’Matizea Andrews, Davontae Nettles, and Aaron George in conjuction with the slaying of 9-year-old Saniyah Nicholson, according to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's office.

The indictment alleges that on Wednesday June 20, 2018, Andrews, 19, Nettles, 19, George, 18, and a juvenile were involved in a shootout on Lee Road in the Lee-Miles neighborhood. 

The adults charged were in a vehicle and allegedly exchanged gunfire with two juveniles, aged 16 and 17, on the sidewalk. All three juveniles involved face ten charges including aggravated muder, two counts of attempted murder and multiple weapons charges.

Andrews, Nettles and George face nine charges including aggravated murder, two counts of attempted murder and felonious assault.

The crossfire killed Saniyah Nicholson when she was hit by a stray bullet while sitting in her mother’s car.

Hundreds of family, friends and community members attended her funeral service Saturday as the local community grapples with the death of a child.

Saniyah  was eating ice cream, on June 20, outside a boxing club on Lee Road near Harvard Avenue.  Her mother, Marshawnette Daniels, ran inside to pick up her 14-year-old son from the gym when the  shootout between two different groups erupted.

According to police, a bullet pierced the car’s window and struck the girl, killing her instantly. 

The murder of a child has once again rattled the local community. The emotional funeral service, at Second Ebenezer Baptist Church, was filled with singing and tears as people came together to heal.

The large sanctuary of was nearly full to capacity as those who came to mourn 9-year-old Saniyah’s untimely death sang along with the choir and prayed with Pastor Larry Macon, who led/directed the service.

“This is a different type of funeral. Turn to your neighbor and say neighbor it’s rough in here,” said Macon as the crowded repeated, “it’s rough in here.” Pastor Macon was one of several ministers who participated in the church service.

A.L. Owens, the pastor of Second Ebenezer Baptist, said the family reached out to him and asked to use his church because they anticipated a large number of people would want to attend the service.

“This is unusual. This is abnormal for a mother to have to bury a daughter and for a father to bury a daughter but we know King Jesus can roll all burdens away,” said Macon in his remarks.

According to information released by the prosecutor's office, The adult defendants face nine charges: Aggravated Murder, Murder, two counts of Attempted Murder, Discharge of a Firearm On or Near Prohibited Premises, two counts of
Felonious Assault, Improperly Handling Firearms in a Motor Vehicle, and Having Weapons Under Disability.  
 

Marlene Harris-Taylor
Marlene is the director of engaged journalism at Ideastream Public Media.