In a case that's drawn the attention of the Cuyahoga County community, two men face serious charges in connection with the fatal drive-by shooting of 19-year-old Johndiel Rivera. Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O'Malley disclosed the indictment following the grand jury's decision against Michael Alvarado, 21, and Michael Roman, 30, detailing a chilling sequence of events on the night of the murder.
Early morning of February 1, Rivera, who was returning home from work, was shot on I-480 westbound near the Aurora Road exit. The assailants, Romans behind the wheel and Alvarado in the passenger seat, fired multiple times at Rivera's vehicle, consequently sending it crashing into the highway median. In a move that underscores the gravity of their intent, Alvarado and Roman circled back to the scene afterward to fire additional shots at Rivera's already motionless car.
Hours later, Bedford Heights Police responded to a report of an abandoned vehicle on the highway. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered Rivera's body with several gunshot wounds inside his vehicle. He was promptly pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators found that Alvarado was a coworker of Rivera's and that Roman had picked up Alvarado and trailed Rivera as he left work. In the days following the incident, Alvarado notably called off from work.
The subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Michael Alvarado last Wednesday, while Michael Roman's capture came two days later by the U.S. Marshals' Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force. As detailed on the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office website, the indictment includes one count of Aggravated Murder, two counts of Murder, two counts of Felonious Assault, and one count of discharging a Firearm On or Near Prohibited Premises for both men. Roman is facing additional charges of Having Weapons Under Disability and one count of Involuntary Manslaughter. Their arraignment is pending at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center.
O’Malley, in a statement, offered a sober reflection on the case, stating via the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office website, "These two individuals gunned down a young father who was simply trying to get home from work. Fortunately, for the State of Ohio and the public, they committed their crimes on camera." The community continues to reel from the tragedy, looking ahead to the court proceedings for answers and justice.
