Photo: Heavy
On Easter Sunday, Steven Stephens of Cleveland, Oh., who has now become virally known as "The Cleveland Shooter," live streamed killing a man on his now deactivated Facebook account. The murder of 74-year-old Robert Goodwin Jr. has set a manhunt for Stephens underway. In order to keep yourself safe until this man is caught, there are several things you should know about him.
1. Stephens put out a series of manifesto videos, one of which was him committing the act of murder.
In a shocking and disturbing video, Stephens can be seen driving down the road before saying, “Found me somebody I’m going to kill, this guy right here, this old dude,” He exits his vehicle and walks up to the man and begins talking to him, asking how old he is before pulling out a gun.
The man tries to shield himself before Stephens fires once, hitting the man in the head.
The video shows the man on the ground, bleeding as Stephens walks back to his white car, described by police as a Ford Fusion, and drives off.
2. He has admitted to multiple other murders.
Stephens has claimed to have committed multiple homicides, however, only the death of Goodwin has been confirmed.
“I snapped, dog, I just snapped,” he can be heard telling the man on the phone in his video, saying he shamed his fraternity with his actions. “I just killed 13 motherf*ckers man. That’s what I did, I killed 13 people and I’m about to keep killing until they catch me. F*ck it.”
In another video, he says, “The people I’m going to kill today, it’s Easter Sunday, it’s not my first. I’ve got a few people that’s over here off this street … it’s an abandoned house, I kind of lost count. I didn’t keep score. But I’m going to keep score today. I’m bout to have me some fun, I guess.”
While no other bodies have been confirmed, the shooting happened at 635 East 93rd Street about 2 p.m. Sunday, police said. East 93rd Street is where Alianna Freeze was last seen in January, a victim of aggravated murder. An aggravated murder warrant has been issued for Stephens. Relation cannot be confirmed, but all his claims must be taken seriously.
3.The manhunt has moved outside of Ohio.
Sunday night, Police said that Stephens "may be out of state at this time," and called on residents in Pennsylvania, New York, Indiana and Michigan to be vigilant. Stephen's cell phone was detected about 100 miles east of Cleveland in Erie, Pennsylvania.
4. He has credited his killing spree to his ex girlfriend and mother.
In one of his videos, Stephens said he was preparing to kill people and blamed his mother and ex-girlfriend of three years.
"She's the reason why I'm making this video. She is the reason what's about to happen today," said Stephens in the video. "I'm out of options. Now I'm on some murder-type s***."
5. Joy Lane, Stephens' ex, has since spoken out.
In a text sent to CBS News, Lane finally breaks her silence.
"We had been in a relationship for several years. I am sorry that all of this has happened. My heart & prayers goes out to the family members of the victim(s). Steve really is a nice guy… he is generous with everyone he knows. He was kind and loving to me and my children. This is a very difficult time for me and my family Please respect our privacy at this time."
6. He is considered armed and dangerous.
Police have urged everyone to stay safe and alert because Stephens is armed. “He is considered armed and dangerous, so we want people to be careful out there,” Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams said.
7. He is suspected to be in a white Ford Fusion.
8. Know who you're looking for.
Photo: CNN
Stephens is a black male who is 6-foot-1 and weighs 244 pounds. He was last seen wearing a dark blue and gray or black striped polo shirt.
