Fugitive Teen Murder Suspect Indicted After Shocking Execution at Local Deli, Still on the Run

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cuyahoga County medical examiner confirmed on Sept. 19, 2025, that 17‑year‑old Jahari Stegall was the victim in a fatal shooting tied to a deli in the North Shore / Collinwood neighborhood.

Prosecutors say Royal King, also 17, is the suspect in the case and has been indicted by a grand jury on multiple charges, including aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault, carrying a concealed weapon and improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle. As of the most recent reports, King is missing and considered a fugitive.

The shooting occurred around 7:00 p.m. at or near the E 185th Deli on East 185th Street. Video released by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office shows King driving a stolen vehicle to the deli, entering and walking through the aisles, then exiting. Meanwhile, Stegall is seen approaching the deli from the parking lot. The surveillance footage indicates the two met at the deli entrance, exchanged words, and then King turned and shot Stegall in the back of the head. King then fled in the stolen car, which was recovered later that evening in the vicinity of his home.

Stegall was pronounced dead at the scene by Cleveland EMS. A bystander, Stephaun Youngblood, attempted to render aid and has been publicly recognized by authorities as showing “heroic” effort.

At a press briefing, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley described the homicide as “one of the most cold‑hearted, treacherous, cowardly homicides I have seen in my 10 years as prosecutor.” He asked the public to assist in locating King, saying surveillance video clearly shows King reentering the stolen vehicle and fleeing. News 5 Cleveland reports King was indicted on Sept. 23.

Cleveland City Councilman Mike Polensek also spoke at the presser: “I asked myself today, ‘What did he do to deserve the death penalty? You saw in the video, he did nothing, he did nothing. He was going to school, he was a responsible young man living in the Glenville Neighborhood.’” He added, “If he’s not apprehended, who’s next? Who’s next?”

Investigators believe the shooting was targeted, though they acknowledge there is no confirmed motive. Prosecutors have said the two “barely knew each other,” and no public record or prior dispute has been established linking them directly. Some reports differ on whether the shooting occurred inside or just outside the deli, and key details—including whether a gun has been recovered, forensic data, and motive—remain under investigation.

Law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshals, are working with local authorities in the search for King, and authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward.

“Anyone with information regarding King’s whereabouts is asked to contact the U.S. Marshals at 1‑866‑4WANTED,” prosecutors announced at the press event.

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