‘Heartache’: Cleveland family searching for answers in 2 unsolved deaths

CLEVELAND – A Cleveland family is devastated and frustrated, telling the FOX 8 I-Team they have been waiting for years to get justice for two loved ones.

“I am feeling a lot of grief and pain,” said Venita McCormick. “A lot of heartache.”

Nearly four years have gone by and still no arrests have been made in the murder of retired Cleveland firefighter Wilbert McCormick. And, almost eight years and no arrests in the hit and run death of Lennell McCormick.

Family members say they want the people responsible for these crimes to be held accountable.  Lennell, 24, was struck by a hit-and-run driver on August 18, 2016. It happened in the 6900 block of Kinsman Road.

Wilbert was murdered on July 21, 2020. He was shot in the head as he went for his daily walk with his wife near Forest Hill Park on Cleveland’s east side.

Steven McCormick, Wilbert’s brother, says the family wants closure in both cases.

“My brother loved to help others,” Steven McCormick said. “We served in the Navy together. He served as a firefighter. He helped people.”

Venita McCormick says she has been trying to reach police detectives, council members and other city leaders.

“I need the mayor or someone to call me back,” Venita said. “My husband saved lives. He worked for this city for 30 years and we can’t get a call back.”

Family members say they are praying the people responsible in both cases will be arrested

“We just want to be able to have peace of mind knowing that someone is still fighting for Wilbert and Lennell,” said Lorenzo Rose, Venita’s brother. “We miss them both very much.”

Cleveland police tell the I-Team that both cases remain open.

“The goal is to find resolution, finding who is responsible for this,” said Sgt. Wilfredo Diaz, Cleveland police public information officer. “Our homicide unit is working on the case and will continue to work on the case until we get some answers.”

Family members say they are desperately waiting for those answers.

“I am a taxpayer,” Venita McCormick said. “I am not receiving what I am due. I want justice.”

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