Police say suspects left important evidence at East Cleveland murder scene: I-Team

EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio (WJW) – East Cleveland police say a suspect involved in the murder of a Strongsville man left an important piece of evidence at the scene: his cell phone.

“We found a cell phone that we believe belongs to Shaheed Mincy,” said East Cleveland Acting Police Chief Ken Lundy. “There were a lot of texts going on and it clearly shows they planned this. They had planned to rob the victim.”

Police have issued a warrant for Mincy’s arrest and are currently searching for him. They say there are at least two other suspects involved.

“This was all caught on video,” Lundy said. “We will find them. They need to just turn themselves in.”

The murder happened around 6:45 p.m. on Feb. 11 at a gas station on Noble Road in East Cleveland. Police say the victim, Maher Salti of Strongsville, went to the area to sell an iPad.

“The victim wanted to meet at the police station to make the sale, but the suspects told him no and suggested meeting at the gas station,” said Joe Marche, commander of the East Cleveland detective bureau. “It’s important for people to remember if they are selling to someone they don’t know. If the person you are meeting does not want to meet at the police department, then that should be a red flag. There's a problem. Always meet at the police department.”

With the help of the victim’s family, detectives were able to track the victim’s personal iPad that was taken during the robbery. The iPad was found in a field.

Lundy and Marche say they are determined to get justice for the victim and his family.

Anyone who knows any information on the suspects or has information on the murder is asked to call East Cleveland police detectives as soon as possible.