Suvechha Sarkar
The early hours of September 15, 2013, turned into a tragedy for the residents of Cleveland, Ohio, when 28-year-old Michel/Michael Williams McClendon was brutally shot dead. The unimaginable loss left his friends and family members completely heartbroken and grappling for answers. In the episode titled ‘Million Dollar Question’ of A&E’s ‘The First 48,’ the focus is on the investigation of this homicide. Besides featuring some of his loved ones, the episode also delves deeper into the witness statements and multiple surveillance footage that helped identify two suspects.
Michael McClendon Died From Multiple Gunshot Wounds in Cleveland
Michael Williams McClendon was born sometime in 1985 in a loving household in Cleveland, Ohio. There, he loved playing with his ten brothers and four sisters, surrounded by their parents’ affection. He also maintained a strong connection with his grandmother, Elaine Harris. Unfortunately, the family faced a significant tragedy when their parents passed away. During that time, Michael was very young. He was eventually adopted and relocated with his adoptive family to Atlanta, Georgia. When he finally turned 16, he moved back to Cleveland and reconnected with his family there. He reportedly never backed down from expressing his love for his loved ones. By 2013, Michael was well-known in the neighborhood and worked as a bouncer at a local club.
Around 2:26 am on September 15, 2013, officials received a 911 call from West 43rd Street and Trent Court. The caller reported that a man had been shot in the alley, but the person didn’t know who the shooter was. When authorities rushed to the scene, they found a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to the hospital, but unfortunately, passed away shortly after. Back at the scene, authorities found the man’s identification, revealing him to be 28-year-old Michael. Forensic experts recovered several 9 mm casings from the location. According to the autopsy report, Michael was shot 12 times, and all the bullets went from his back to the front. It indicated that he was either on the ground or on his knees when he was shot. His cause of death was determined to be multiple gunshot wounds.
Detectives Captured One of Michael’s Alleged Killers After a Car Chase
Officials reportedly spoke with a witness, who said she saw a group of teenagers running away after the gunshots were heard. After those teenagers were questioned, they were eliminated as suspects since there was no evidence tying them to the crime. One of them reportedly told the authorities that Michael had gone to a strip club, Million Dollar Club, with some other men on September 14, 2013, as per reports. Further police records suggest the teenager denied knowing the names of those men. Meanwhile, ballistic experts reportedly discovered that the shell casings found at the scene were fired from two separate guns, which suggested that there were two shooters. Soon after, one of Michael’s friends informed the detectives that hours before the murder, he had dropped the 28-year-old off at the club.
According to investigative records, Michael had gone to meet a man nicknamed Awol before the murder, but was nervous about meeting him. Michael’s friend reportedly described Awol as a black man with short dreadlocks. In his statement, the friend also mentioned that the individual drove a black Chevrolet Tahoe. After learning Awol’s address, the investigators were on their way to the location when they reportedly spotted the same car in the area. As per official reports, upon checking the car’s registration, the owner was revealed to be Aaron Moller. The authorities noted that two men were sitting inside the car. However, when the vehicle was signaled to stop, it fled, prompting a car chase and then a pursuit of the two men on foot. When detectives finally caught Awol, they discovered that his actual name is Aaron.
Several Witness Statements Helped Officials in Arresting the Second Suspect
Reports indicate that during the on-foot chase, Awol had a 9 mm gun in his hand, which he threw away. The car’s passenger was also reportedly apprehended and brought to the station. According to reports, he denied any involvement in the murder during questioning but told them that before the crime happened, he was with Awol, Michael, and another man nicknamed Memphis at the club. In his statements, he recalled that shortly after entering the club, Awol and Michael had gone outside together. The passenger reportedly claimed that Awol later returned alone to the club and had made incriminating comments.
As per police records, the passenger claimed to the detectives that Awol made incriminating statements implicating himself and Memphis in the shooting of Michael. In the meantime, Awol’s gun was checked, but it turned out not to be a match to the casings found at the scene. Ultimately, Awol was charged with aggravated murder. Officials then checked the CCTV footage from the club, which captured Awol leaving with the 28-year-old in the black Tahoe and returning alone about 8 minutes later. The detectives then learned that Memphis was arrested in Youngstown, Ohio, on an unrelated charge two days after the murder.
The records revealed that Memphis’ real name is Rodrick Stewart. He reportedly had prior convictions for robbery, battery, and assault, and was waiting for extradition to Missouri. According to reports, when he was finally interrogated, he denied having any involvement in the crime. Authorities next tracked down another of Awol’s friends who was present at the club before the murder. In his statements, the friend claimed that Memphis never got into the club since he was sleeping in Awol’s car. Memphis was also indicted on the charge of aggravated murder.
While Aaron’s Current Whereabouts Remain Unknown, Rodrick is Seemingly Out on Parole Today
Following their arrest, Aaron, AKA Awol, and Rodrick, AKA Memphis, were awaiting trial while the prosecution pieced together evidence, including CCTV footage and witness statements. However, no public reports provide any clarification on whether they underwent trial or pleaded guilty. Having said that, Rodrick’s prison records show he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 2.5 years on November 28, 2017. It appears that his 4-year supervision term began on that same day. His expected parole eligibility date was scheduled for May 12, 2019. As of writing, Rodrick appears to be on parole and leading a quiet life away from the spotlight. Meanwhile, the final legal disposition of Awol’s charges is not detailed in state correctional records, so there’s no additional public information available on him.
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