CLEVELAND — The pandemic has changed the way many Americans do their jobs. When Ohioans were told to stay at home because of COVID-19, those in law enforcement reported for work.
“Even with everything going on right now, our guys are on the streets across northern Ohio pursuing the most violent fugitives,” said Pete Elliott, U.S. Marshal northern district of Ohio.
Amid this pandemic, the end of running and hiding came just days ago for Gianni Gray.
“Pandemic or not we’re not going to stop. It could be one day, one month or two years like this case, but we’re not going to stop,” said Elliott.
Gray was wanted for murder after allegedly opening fire on a car stopped at the West 117th Street exit ramp of Interstate 90 back in July 2018.
The two people inside the car died.
Andre Williams was one of them.
“He was a 35-year-old man, but he was my baby brother,” said Cassandra McDonald.
McDonald said her brother was funny, sweet and quiet. He was a brother, father of four, and a son.
“There wasn’t a day my mother didn’t cry,” she said.
On the day Williams died, McDonald made it her mission to get justice.
Something her mother did not live long enough to see.
“We lost them within eight months of each other. The last thing my mother did was call the detective, asking have they caught Gianni Gray? What’s going on with the case? Then she passed away,” said McDonald.
U.S. Marshals crisscrossed the country looking for Gray.
But, members of the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force found Gray on Cleveland’s east side along with guns and drugs just days ago, Elliott said.
McDonald said she is extremely appreciative to the U.S. Marshals and all law enforcement for their work in finding Gray.
The U.S. Marshals Norther Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force members now carry disinfectant, wear masks and have stopped rotating partners but they remain open for business.
“In the last two weeks, we’ve arrested six or seven for homicides,” said Elliott.
