CLEVELAND, Ohio – A Cuyahoga County grand jury handed up an indictment Wednesday that accused two brothers of killing an 18-year-old man at a clothing store in Cleveland, according to prosecutors.
Marvin Flemings Jr., 26, and Marquell Flemings, 23, are accused of fatally shooting Tamer Al-Madi, of Middleburgh Heights, at ELITE Clothing Store on Euclid Avenue in Cleveland.
Both men have been accused of aggravated murder, kidnapping and felonious assault. Marvin Flemings was also accused of grand theft, tampering with evidence and possessing a weapon with a criminal record of violence, court records show.
“This case, unfortunately, is another example of the senseless gun violence that is plaguing our community,” Prosecutor Michael O’Malley said in a statement. “As a result of the Flemings brothers’ actions, an 18-year-old man tragically lost his life.”
The shooting happened about 11:30 a.m. Sept. 30. The brothers entered the ELITE Clothing Store and held Al-Madi at gunpoint, prosecutors said. Marquell Flemings continued to hold a gun on Al-Madi while his brother searched the store for a 38-year-old man, prosecutors said.
During the incident, several gunshots were fired, and all four men, including the 38-year-old, were struck by bullets. Prosecutors said Marvin Flemings then executed Al-Madi and stole firearms before leaving.
Paramedics transported Al-Madi to University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, where he later died. The 38-year-old man was treated and released from the hospital. Marquell Flemings suffered serious injuries, but he is in stable condition at the hospital. Marvin Flemings was treated and then arrested by Cleveland police, prosecutors said.
Al-Madi’s family lives in Jordan. In an email sent to cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer, Al-Madi’s family said they want justice for him.
“My brother is one of the best and kindest people,” his sister wrote in an email. “He is young and has not seen anything in this world. We lost him in the blink of an eye. My father is in the hospital after hearing the news of his murder. We are not well.”
Al-Madi was well-liked by customers who frequented the store where he worked. The ELITE Clothing Store is known for its urban clothing and latest tennis shoes. Customers on social media commented on how Al-Madi made them laugh and always gave them discounts.
“I’m not sure how this happened to him, I just know he was loved and a good person,” a customer told reporters.
The brothers, of Cleveland, are to appear for their later this month in Common Pleas Court.
