(Cuyahoga County) - The City of Cleveland and the Cleveland Division of Police have announced an arrest in the murders of Trina Tomola-Kuznik and Michael Kuznik, which occurred on April 15, 2017.
No suspect or arrest information has been released at this time, detectives say this is still an open investigation, but reports indicates he's 29 year old Joseph McAlpine, and that his DNA may have been found at the murder scene.
“Our concern is for all victims of crime and their families,” said Mayor Frank G. Jackson. “ While we’re happy to have gotten to this point, we will continue to work on the Kuznik case until all who are involved are brought to justice – this is still an open investigation.”
Investigators say updates will be provided as information becomes available. .If you have additional information or tips on a homicide case, call 216-623-5464.
Meanwhile, Councilman Mike Polensek represents the ward that were killings occurred, and issued the statement below.
To All Ward 8 Neighbors and beyond:
Late this morning I received a briefing from the Cleveland Police Homicide Unit with regard to an arrest in the murder of Michael Kuznik and Trina Tomola, owners of Mr. Cars located on East 185th Street at Hiller.
Arrested was one Joseph McAlpine, age 29 years, in connection with this double homicide. Mr. McAlpine had served nine years in prison already for aggravated robbery and was released in August 2016. He is an alleged or former member of the Heartless Felons street gang. He lists multiple addresses from Cleveland’s east side to Cleveland’s west side where he was residing.
The Homicide Unit had processed over a hundred pieces of evidence between the dealership office, the stolen 2006 BMW, which was recovered on Cleveland’s west side, and other related material. From the information gathered along with tips from Crime Stoppers, Mr. McAlpine was arrested and is in custody. The Homicide Unit believes that there is at least one other involved, if not more, in this horrendous act of violence which was perpetrated on Good Friday, April 14, 2017.
We, in the Collinwood community, never stopped praying for Mike and Trina, their children and their families. I hope many of you know now why I could not give more in depth information about this investigation at our neighborhood meetings. I knew Homicide was working on strong tips and other information which could not be divulged publicly. Let’s hope and pray that CPD is able to identify the other perpetrator(s).
Furthermore, let’s continue to pray that CPD finds the murderer of Mr Stephen Halton, another resident of our neighborhood who was brutally murdered on Lakeshore Boulevard over two years ago while attempting to report to the Cleveland Clinic to assist in a surgical procedure. His family and our community has never stopped grieving over his brutal murder and loss. We will not until his murder(s) is arrested and charged.
Let’s send a message to anyone and anybody who wishes to perpetrate violent criminal acts upon our community and our residents that we will never rest until you are brought to justice. For, we are Collinwood Proud and Collinwood Strong. We refuse to give in or give up!
(Photos by Ken Robinson/WTAM)
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