Rahmean Ponzie and Randall Russell entered guilty pleas on multiple charges on Monday, April 7.
In Cleveland, two men have admitted guilt to offenses stemming from a shooting that took place outside St. Malachi Church. The incident unfolded as an attempted robbery in July 2024.
Rahmean Ponzie and Randall Russell entered guilty pleas on multiple charges on Monday, April 7.
Russell and Ponzio pleaded guilty to the following charges:
- Discharge of a firearm on or near prohibited premises
- Felonious assault with a 3-year firearm specification
- Criminal damaging
Legal papers revealed that Richo Samuels, a third accomplice, was deemed unfit to participate in the trial. Meanwhile, charges against Jermaine George, the fourth individual implicated in the crime, were dismissed.
Sentencing is set for May 8 at 10 a.m. with Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Emily Hagan.
CASE DETAILS
The chain of events commenced on July 29 when Samuels and George purportedly sought to rob Ponzie, Russell, and another male outside an apartment complex located near Washington Avenue and West 28th Street in Cleveland.
Just before 6 p.m., Ponzie, Russell and the additional male found Samuels and George standing outside of St. Malachi Parish. Ponzie and Russell allegedly exited their vehicle and opened fire on Samuels and George.
The duo then got back inside their vehicle and began driving away. Moments later, Samuels opened fire on Ponzie, Russell and the additional male.
Officials say that during the shooting, over 45 shots were fired. George, Samuels and the unidentified male were all struck. All three men were taken to the hospital following the shooting. Several vehicles parked at the Catholic church were also struck during the incident.
Video of the incident can be viewed below:
