Richmond Heights murder suspect found dead of self-inflicted gunshot

RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Ohio (WOIO) - The man accused of fatally shooting a 25-year-old woman Tuesday was found dead early Wednesday morning of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Mayfield Heights Police.

Multiple police officers had been searching for Shamar Summeral since the murder in Richmond Heights Tuesday evening.

Just before 1 a.m. Wednesday, Mayfield Heights Police posted on Facebook that Summeral was found deceased and was no longer a danger to the public.

“It’s been a busy night for our officers and dispatchers,” posted Mayfield Heights Police.

Richmond Heights Police said Summeral shot Mariah Symone Sanders in the 400 block of Richmond Park East Dr. around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.

When officers arrived at the scene, the Euclid woman was found dead in the rear of the building near the parking lot.

Police said her 8-month-old baby was found in a stroller near the victim but was not injured.

The baby is now with the victim’s family, according to a release.

According to a release Wednesday, witnesses reported seeing a man fleeing from the scene toward an apartment building in the 440 block of Richmond Park East.

Police evacuated some of the apartment’s residents for safety until it was confirmed the suspect was not inside.

The SWAT team was called to the scene, and the manhunt for Summeral lasted several hours.

Richmond Heights Police Chief Calvin Williams said the victim and suspect did know each other, but no further information has been released.