Metroparks murder: Victim lured to scene before shooting, prosecutors say

Talia Naquin
·1 min read

CLEVELAND (WJW) – A 22-year-old has been indicted on multiple charges connected to the murder of an elderly man at the Mill Stream Run Reservation in Strongsville.

Viktor Vendler was arrested for shooting Leroy Johnston in the head and fleeing the scene on September 24, 2023. The arrest came in May of 2024.

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Prosecutors say Vendler lured the victim to the scene.

Vendler was indicted on the following 5 charges Wednesday:

  • 2 counts aggravated murder

  • 1 count kidnapping

  • 1 count tampering with evidence

  • 1 count gross abuse of a corpse

Police have said the Johnston and Vendler knew each other but have not said their connection or revealed a possible motive.

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“For several months our community has sought answers to the senseless homicide of Leroy Johnston,” said Prosecutor O’Malley in a press release. “I want to thank the Cleveland Metroparks Police Department for their tireless work on this case. Today marks the first steps of justice for Leroy Johnston and his family.”

An arraignment has not been set.

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