A 15-year-old boy accused of fatally shooting another teen at the Shaker Heights Public Library earlier this week has denied all charges during a court hearing, according to newly released records. The incident, which has deeply shaken the community, resulted in the death of 18-year-old Charles Lee Shanklin.
The shooting occurred Tuesday afternoon at the Main Branch of the Shaker Heights Public Library. Investigators say an altercation between the two teens, who reportedly had ties to Shaker Heights High School, escalated when the younger boy pulled out a gun and shot Shanklin. The victim was rushed to University Hospitals but was later pronounced dead.
Following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene but was apprehended shortly afterward. He is now facing multiple charges, including murder, felonious assault, and carrying a concealed weapon. He remains in custody at the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center.
Records also show the teen has a prior case pending, involving separate charges of aggravated robbery and possession of a weapon in a school safety zone. He is scheduled to appear in court on those charges on April 14.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the Shaker Heights community, prompting an emotional response from students, parents, and city officials. On Thursday, local leaders held a public meeting at the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Center to address concerns and foster healing.
“Everybody is still in shock,” said Shaker Heights High School student Dominik Nichols. “You wouldn’t expect that to happen at the library. It’s somewhere you should feel safe, a learning environment.”
Tracey Jackson, a parent of a Shaker Heights senior, laid flowers outside the library and reflected on the loss. “It could have been any one of our kids,” she said. “We lost two children — the one who died and the one who is likely headed to prison. We need to do something about these guns.”
Students who knew both the victim and the suspect have been left grappling with grief and fear. “It’s a scary sight to see and hear about. I don’t wish that on anybody,” Nichols added. Fellow student Kayden Ezell said, “I cried in the library, cried when I got home. I got all my grief out.”
Community advocates and local leaders say the shooting underscores a need for stronger support systems and opportunities for youth. “Give them options — recreation, academics, after-school programs,” said Greg Lockhart of the organization 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland. “The family is important. Do your job as a parent. That way, I think we’ll ultimately get to where we’re trying to go.”
While the investigation continues, the Shaker Heights community is left mourning a life lost too soon — and searching for ways to prevent future tragedies.