Lavia Paul Wanted in Connection with the Fatal Shooting of Young Mother Kiara Jackson in Cleveland

Lavia Paul Wanted in Connection with the Fatal Shooting of Young Mother Kiara Jackson in Cleveland

CLEVELAND, OH — A heartbreaking tragedy has rocked the Cleveland community as authorities continue the search for a suspect in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Kiara Jackson, a young mother of two. Cleveland Metroparks Police have identified 23-year-old Lavia M. Paul, of Cleveland, as the primary suspect in the early morning shooting that occurred at Mill Creek Falls.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Paul, and law enforcement agencies are urging anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts to come forward. The shooting took place around 3:40 a.m. on Wednesday near the entrance to Mill Creek Falls, located just off Broadway Avenue. Officers responded swiftly to the scene, where they discovered Jackson suffering from a gunshot wound. Tragically, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner later confirmed the victim’s identity as Kiara Jackson. Her death has sent shockwaves through the community and devastated her family, who described her as a loving mother to her two young children, ages six and seven.

Details about what led up to the shooting are still emerging, but according to Jackson’s family, she had been at the park with a group of people prior to the deadly encounter. Police have not released additional information about the motive or circumstances, but they are actively pursuing leads and continuing their investigation.

Lavia Paul is currently considered armed and dangerous, and authorities are advising the public not to approach him. Instead, anyone who may have seen Paul or has information regarding his location is encouraged to contact Cleveland Metroparks Police at 440-333-4911. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to local law enforcement agencies.

The loss of Kiara Jackson is being mourned across Cleveland, particularly in the Mill Creek neighborhood, where residents are demanding justice and accountability. Family, friends, and community members have called for anyone with information to speak out and help bring the suspect to justice.

“This was a senseless and devastating act that took a mother away from her children,” a family spokesperson said. “Kiara was loved deeply, and her children deserve answers. We need the public’s help to make sure the person responsible for this is found and held accountable.”

Vigils are being organized in memory of Jackson, and support is being gathered for her two children as they begin to face life without their mother. The Cleveland Metroparks Police Department continues to lead the investigation and is working closely with regional law enforcement to locate and apprehend Lavia Paul.

As the manhunt intensifies, the community is reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to the case. Justice for Kiara Jackson is now the priority, and every piece of information could bring her family one step closer to closure.