CLEVELAND, Ohio – The tragic murder of 10-year-old Kaden Coleman took center stage at a town hall meeting hosted by Mayor Justin Bibb on Wednesday night at JFK High School in Cleveland’s Lee-Harvard neighborhood. Kaden was shot and killed just weeks ago, less than a mile from the very school where the community gathered to address rising violence.
Mayor Bibb led a somber moment of silence to honor Kaden and other recent victims of violence in the area, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Among those deeply affected was Kaden’s close friend, 10-year-old Lorenzo Roberson, who delivered an emotional tribute, asking tough questions about safety and the future of children in Cleveland.
“I am Kaden because I believe in myself. Will I have a chance to survive? Will my life be cut short too?” Roberson asked, his words resonating through the room filled with grieving neighbors and city officials.
Roberson’s mentor, Oronde East, also spoke out, vowing that Kaden’s story would not fade into the past. “Losing a child at such a young age is devastating. But this should push us to invest more time and effort into protecting our children,” East emphasized.
As the city reels from the heartbreaking loss, Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd addressed the ongoing battle against violent crime. “Fighting violent crime is our top priority, but this isn’t just about law enforcement—it’s a whole-government effort,” Todd stated. She urged the community to be proactive in protecting children and preventing tragedies like Kaden’s.
“We can’t do this alone. We need the entire community involved. By the time police respond, it’s already too late. The real change comes from within the neighborhoods, from families, mentors, and every single person stepping up to create safer streets,” Todd urged.
Kaden’s death has sent shockwaves through Cleveland, igniting urgent conversations about violence prevention and the collective responsibility to safeguard the city’s youth. As the investigation into his murder continues, one thing remains clear—his story will not be forgotten.
