Cleveland man sentenced to 33 years for gas station murder

A judge in Cleveland has sentenced Jayvon Cummings to 33 years in prison for the shooting death of La Rell Cole. The incident occurred at a gas station on July 27, 2024. Cummings, 23, initially faced aggravated murder charges but agreed to plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter, kidnapping, and felonious assault. The shooting happened when Cole, 23, was leaving a gas station with his family after a night out. According to prosecutors, Cummings shouted insults before firing multiple shots at Cole as he tried to enter his car. Cole was hit three times and later died at the hospital. Assistant County Prosecutor Carson Strang described the crime as “absolutely malicious.” He noted that Cole had a firearm in his waistband but did not use it during the attack. The courtroom was filled with emotion as Cole’s family reacted angrily while watching security footage of the shooting. Cole's father spoke about the pain of his son’s death, highlighting that Cole had three young children who now ask where their father is. Family members expressed their anger and grief, saying Cummings had stolen precious time from them. Cummings, who also faced charges from an earlier robbery incident, had his sentences run concurrently. His attorney requested that the judge adhere to the plea agreement, but Cummings chose not to speak in court.