Cleveland - Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley announced that Henry Stafford, 37, has pleaded guilty to murdering his girlfriend’s brother, 35, in their Cleveland home and was sentenced to life in prison.
“This is another life lost to gun violence,” said Prosecutor O’Malley. “My thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family and friends. I hope this sentence assists them in moving forward.”
On the evening of October 24th, 2019, Stafford entered the home he shared with his girlfriend and her brother near West 102nd Street. Stafford covered his face, went into the brother’s room, and fired multiple shots at the victim while he was in bed before fleeing the scene in his vehicle.
Cleveland Police, Emergency Medical Services, and Fire responded to the scene. The victim suffered a gunshot wound to the left shoulder and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Days later, Stafford called his girlfriend and threatened to kill her. He was arrested on October 28th, 2019. The investigation conducted by CPD’s Homicide Unit identified Stafford as the offender after video surveillance placed him at the scene.
Stafford pleaded guilty to the following charges:
- One count of Murder
- One count of Intimidation Of Crime Victim Or Witness
- One count of Having Weapons Under Disability
He was sentenced to life in prison, with first eligibility of parole after serving 17 years.
© 2020 iHeartMedia, Inc.
Hear news updates at the top and bottom of the hour:wtam.com/listen