Parma, OH Attorney News Archive

CLEVELAND – Derrek Dove, 20, has been indicted on multiple charges, including aggravated murder, following the tragic shooting death of 56-year-old Lyft driver Antoine Magel Latham. The Cuyahoga County grand jury reached this decision after a thorough investigation by local police, who used ride-sharing records and surveillance footage to draw connections in the case.

Prosecutor Michael O'Malley highlighted the gravity of the situation, calling it a "cold and deliberate act" and voicing his commitment to seeking justice for Latham's family. This incident is notably one of two recent murders involving rideshare drivers in Cleveland, prompting significant concerns regarding civil litigation and public safety within the business sector.

In response to these alarming events, local officials have pledged to improve security measures for rideshare drivers in the community as investigations continue.

In a distressing turn of events in Cleveland, two 17-year-old boys have been charged with the aggravated murder of 27-year-old Vasyl Shvets, a Lyft driver who was tragically shot earlier this month. The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office has stepped in to oversee the criminal proceedings, placing the teens in juvenile detention as they await a probable cause hearing. This hearing will determine whether they will be tried as adults.

Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd has expressed her condolences to Shvets' family, reaffirming the department's commitment to justice during a time of rising violence in the community. The police are actively investigating connections to Arizona in relation to this case, which adds another layer to the ongoing inquiry. Both local law enforcement and civil litigation experts are prioritizing this investigation as they seek clarity on the circumstances surrounding this incident.

As Cleveland grapples with these tragic events, community leaders are calling for improved safety measures for rideshare drivers and greater support for the families affected. The push for change underscores a growing concern for public safety amid increasing violence in the area.

The Cleveland community is in mourning following the tragic deaths of two Lyft drivers, Antoine Latham and Vasyl Shvets. These incidents have stirred important conversations around civil litigation and criminal defense in the area.

Derrick Dove, a 20-year-old from Garfield Heights, has been charged with aggravated murder in connection with Latham's death and is also suspected of robbery. The loss of Shvets, a Ukrainian immigrant who had recently settled in Parma, has left a deep impact. He was working hard to build a new life in America and is remembered fondly by his fiancée and the local community.

Pastor Ihor Kasiyan of St. Andrew Ukrainian Catholic Church has spoken out about the urgent need for justice. His remarks echo the feelings of many residents who are calling for enhanced safety measures to protect immigrants and families throughout Cleveland.

As investigations progress, a fundraising campaign to cover Shvets' burial costs has successfully raised over $37,000. This generous support underscores the solidarity and strength of the immigrant community during this difficult time.

Cleveland officials have arrested a 20-year-old man from Garfield Heights in connection with the tragic shooting death of rideshare driver Antoine Latham, 56, on Sunday night. The incident occurred near East 103rd Street and Rosehill Avenue, raising urgent questions about civil litigation related to rideshare driver safety and employment protections.

Authorities executed a search warrant that resulted in the recovery of multiple firearms. This discovery underscores the pressing need for reforms in criminal defense protocols to better protect drivers from violence.

The investigation into Latham's death revealed a troubling pattern, as it follows another shooting involving a Lyft driver, Vasyl Shvets, in nearby Parma. In light of these events, police are seeking public assistance to solve both cases.

Community leaders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts among law enforcement and local agencies to combat the rising incidents of violent crime affecting Cleveland's rideshare drivers.

Cleveland police have identified 20-year-old Derrek Dove as the suspect in the tragic shooting death of 56-year-old Lyft driver Antoine Magel Latham, which occurred on February 8th. As the investigation progresses, Dove is scheduled to appear in Cleveland Municipal Court on February 13 to face charges, including the alleged theft of Latham's cell phone.

This incident is particularly alarming as it marks the first of two deadly shootings involving rideshare drivers in the city this week. It has raised significant concerns about public safety and the impact on civil litigation and criminal defense in Ohio. Mayor Justin Bibb has expressed his concern, urging rideshare users to remain vigilant while city officials consider measures to enhance driver security.

A separate but equally tragic incident involved 27-year-old Vasyl Shvets from nearby Parma, who also lost his life in a shooting. The string of violence has left the community on edge and has amplified discussions surrounding personal injury law and the necessary protections for drivers in the area.

Cleveland authorities have made an arrest in connection with the tragic shooting death of rideshare driver Antoine Magel Latham, who was killed on February 8, 2026. The suspect, a 20-year-old, has raised concerns among the city’s ride-hailing community as they grapple with the implications of this violence.

Police Chief Dorothy Todd has praised the efforts of detectives from Cleveland's Division of Police, emphasizing their commitment to exploring every legal route to achieve justice in this case. She reassured the community that the investigation remains a top priority.

In a strong response to this heinous act, Mayor Justin Bibb condemned the violence against rideshare drivers as horrific. He has pledged to advocate for strict penalties for those who perpetrate such crimes, reflecting the city's dedication to ensuring safety.

Cleveland authorities are actively working through the investigative process, which includes reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses. Residents are encouraged to assist in these efforts by reporting any relevant information to the Cleveland Division of Police Homicide Unit at 216-623-5464. Meanwhile, investigations into civil litigation and criminal defense matters connected to this case are ongoing.

CLEVELAND – FirstEnergy is asking the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to relax its power restoration standards. If approved, this could lead to more frequent outages for customers of Ohio Edison, Toledo Edison, and the Illuminating Company in the Cleveland area.

Jennifer Young, a spokesperson for the utility company, argues that changing weather patterns and infrastructure challenges necessitate these adjustments. The proposal aims to establish company-specific minimum reliability metrics.

Local officials, including those from Cleveland and Lakewood, are strongly opposing the request. State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan of Parma also voiced concerns, stating that this change would unfairly shift the burden onto a community that has already invested significantly in infrastructure improvements.

Lakewood Mayor Meghan George highlighted the potential negative impacts on residents and businesses, especially for those who rely on consistent power for medical devices.

The next PUCO hearing regarding this contentious issue is scheduled for February 26.

Ibrahim Shehadeh's legal challenges intensified this week as his defamation lawsuit against Dallas Eckman, a political activist from the Cleveland Liberation Center, was dismissed by Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Shannon Gallagher. The lawsuit stemmed from comments made by Eckman during a City Council meeting, where he accused Shehadeh of being involved in racially charged confrontations against supporters of Antoine Tolbert, the leader of New Era Cleveland.

This setback follows another recent blow for Shehadeh, who faced a ruling denying his appeal for a variance for a gas station on Madison Avenue.

In other news, the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party, under the leadership of Chair Dave Brock, is focused on boosting voter engagement as the November 2026 elections approach. The party has set an ambitious goal to register 43,000 new voters, aiming to strengthen Democratic turnout and reclaim electoral power in Cleveland. They are receiving significant support from former State Rep. Jeffrey Crossman in this initiative.

In a recent incident in Parma, 89-year-old George Balasko has received probation and a six-year suspension of his driver's license following a hit-and-run that left a mother and her young son injured outside a Marc's grocery store. Balasko, who faced serious charges including aggravated vehicular assault, ultimately pleaded guilty to lesser charges of failure to stop after an accident. This decision resulted in a one-year probation sentence that includes 30 days of home confinement.

The case has drawn attention not only for its severity but also for the potential conflicts of interest involved. The Parma Heights Police Department handled the investigation due to Balasko's family connections to the Parma Police. Officials emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity in such cases.

The victims, a 32-year-old mother and her 2-year-old child, were hospitalized after the incident, which occurred while they were crossing the parking lot. Legal experts specializing in civil litigation and personal injury law have pointed out that this outcome underscores the complexities involved in criminal defense cases in the Cleveland area.

The recent passing of George Schindler, a prominent figure in Cleveland's restaurant scene, represents a significant loss for the local culinary community. Schindler began his journey as a dishwasher at Parma Community Hospital and went on to establish several successful dining ventures, including the renowned Cabin Club and Blue Point Grille. His contributions have had a lasting impact on the local economy and hospitality sector.

Chris Kneeland, Managing Partner of Hospitality Restaurants, paid tribute to Schindler’s enduring legacy. He emphasized Schindler’s unwavering commitment to genuine service, which extended beyond standard business practices. Schindler's philosophy not only shaped how restaurants were managed but also played a crucial role in the training and development of future employees within Cleveland's vibrant service industry.

As Cleveland faces ongoing challenges within real estate and local business environments, Schindler’s dedication to service excellence and community welfare serves as an inspiring model for current and future entrepreneurs. His influence will be felt for years to come.

The Parma City School District is mourning the tragic loss of 16-year-old Aniaz Paradiso, who was fatally shot following a house party in Cleveland. The confrontation that led to his death occurred on the corner of West 130th Street and Lorain Avenue, capturing significant media attention as police continue to investigate the details surrounding this heartbreaking incident.

Local officials, including representatives from the Parma City Schools, have expressed their deep sorrow in a letter to families, remembering Aniaz for his loving nature and vibrant personality. As the community processes this loss, authorities have apprehended an 18-year-old suspect in connection with the crime, prompting a collective reevaluation of safety and support systems in the area.

In the wake of this tragedy, residents are not only mourning but also considering the legal implications of such violence. The incident highlights the urgent need for discussions surrounding civil litigation and criminal defense, especially as families confront the emotional and legal challenges related to wills and estates during these difficult times.

In a heartbreaking incident on Sunday, September 28, a 16-year-old boy lost his life after a gathering at a short-term rental home in Cleveland, near the intersection of West 130th Street and Lorain Avenue. Law enforcement responded promptly to reports of a fight, but as they arrived, they heard gunshots. The victim, identified as Aniaz Paradiso from Parma, was pronounced dead at the scene by Cleveland EMS.

The Homicide Unit is actively pursuing leads in this tragic case, utilizing resources from the Real Time Crime Center and K-9 units. Authorities have arrested an 18-year-old suspect, who is now awaiting possible charges related to this civil unrest.

In the wake of this violence, community leaders and legal experts are advocating for stricter real estate law regulations on short-term rentals to enhance safety in the neighborhood.

Recent footage from Cleveland's I-Team has revealed crews extracting three more stolen cars from the Cuyahoga River. This situation highlights a growing concern over vehicle theft and the potential criminal activity associated with these submerged vehicles.

Councilman Mike Polensek has emphasized the urgent need for action, calling on local officials to boost surveillance in areas where vehicles are entering the water. Some of these cars are believed to have been submerged for decades, raising questions about local law enforcement's awareness and the civil litigation that may surround the recovery process.

In a troubling turn, one of the recovered vehicles was linked to a shooting incident, complicating the criminal defense aspects of the ongoing investigation. As developments unfold, Cleveland's legal community is paying close attention, including advocates in real estate law, who are concerned about the potential implications for property safety and community accountability.