18-Year-Old Suspect Arrested in Shaker Heights Student's Shooting Death

University Heights police arrested Khalil Woods Jr. on Saturday morning in connection with the death of a Shaker Heights High School student. The 18-year-old East Cleveland resident was taken into custody after a traffic stop in the early hours of the morning.

According to a statement from University Heights Police Chief Dustin Rogers, officers initiated a traffic stop at 1:33 a.m. near Warrensville Center Road and Hillbrook Road. Police had observed a gray Kia run a red light at the intersection. Woods was identified as a passenger in the vehicle and was found to have an open warrant with Cleveland police for aggravated murder.

Chief Rogers reported that Woods resisted arrest but was eventually secured by University Heights officers. He was then transported to Cleveland police without further incident. The Cleveland Division of Police confirmed to 19 News on Saturday that Woods is a suspect in the death of 17-year-old Jaiden Tunson.

Tunson was shot on Monday evening in Cleveland’s Buckeye-Shaker neighborhood. Cleveland police officers were patrolling near East 130th Street and Buckeye Road at approximately 7:30 p.m. when they heard gunshots. They located Tunson near South Moreland Boulevard and Buckeye Road with an apparent gunshot wound. Officers performed lifesaving measures, but Cleveland EMS pronounced him dead at the scene.

Investigators stated that evidence indicates the incident was not a drive-by shooting. Cleveland homicide detectives are currently investigating the case. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner also confirmed the details of the death.

Shaker Heights High School and Shaker Heights Middle School closed on Tuesday following the death. The district announced that schools would reopen on Wednesday. Officials stated that students and staff could speak with counselors. In a statement, school leaders said they were devastated by the loss and asked the community to respect the privacy of Tunson’s family.

District spokesperson Griffin addressed the loss in a statement. “A 17-year-old boy lost their life, those parents and that family sent that young man to school and at the end of the day, he didn’t come home,” Griffin said. “That’s the tragedy that we all need to be focused on. And bringing these perpetrators to justice.”