The person at the center of this case
Carnell 'Nell' Sledge and Kate Brown
Homicide · Open
1 year waiting · since 2025
Carnell Sledge
Justice for Carnell 'Nell' Sledge and Kate Brown — the trail went cold in 2025, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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witness
Lead #1Why did no one in the busy park—including a man sitting in a nearby truck—see or hear the shots fired or notice the killer?
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suspect
Lead #2Could Kate's recent dating app connection, described as 'off' and allegedly involved in a fatal stabbing, be connected to the murders?
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suspect
Lead #3Kate's mother believes a jealous ex-boyfriend theory 'makes sense'—were Kate's or Carnell's recent romantic relationships thoroughly investigated?
On June 4, 2019, Carnell 'Nell' Sledge and Kate Brown, longtime friends, were shot to death on a park bench at Rocky River Reservation near Cleveland in broad daylight while surrounded by other park visitors. Nothing was stolen, and no witnesses have come forward despite the public setting, suggesting the killer knew the park well and acted with calculated confidence. Five years later, the case remains unsolved, with investigators pursuing theories including a hate crime, gang initiation, or a jealous ex-partner, but family members and police continue seeking the public's help to identify the killer.
Case
#11
Cleveland Metroparks Police Department
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
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location
Lead #4Gang graffiti was present near the crime scene; could this indicate gang initiation or a hate crime targeting an interracial couple?
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evidence
Lead #5The killer took nothing—phones, wallets, jewelry, laptops, or cars—suggesting a personal motive rather than robbery; what was the true purpose of their meeting?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
The murder of Carnell Sledge
Timeline of Events
📞
June 4, 2019
4:00 PMText message from Carnell to Kate
Carnell texted Kate asking if she wanted to meet; she called back from the gym and they planned to meet at the park
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June 4, 2019
5:00 PMVictims seated on park bench
Kate and Carnell sat down on a park bench to chat, unaware someone was watching them
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June 4, 2019
5:18 PMBodies discovered by kayakers
A couple looking for a kayaking spot discovered Carnell shot multiple times in the head near the bench and Kate face-down in the shallow creek; both bodies were still warm
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:June 4, 2019 at Invalid Date
Last Updated:July 3, 2025
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Case Information
Incident:June 4, 2019 at Invalid Date
Last Updated:July 3, 2025