Months after a late-night gathering at Mill Creek Falls ended in gunfire, Lavia Paul has admitted in court that her actions led to the death of 25-year-old Kiara Jackson. Paul pleaded guilty Monday to involuntary manslaughter and discharging a firearm in connection with the June 2025 killing near the Cleveland Metroparks waterfall. She is scheduled to be sentenced May 7 by Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge William Vodrey.
Guilty plea and charges
At a hearing this week, 24-year-old Paul entered guilty pleas to involuntary manslaughter and discharge of a firearm on or near prohibited premises, according to Cleveland 19. The plea wipes out some of the original counts tied to the case, although any written plea agreement and the prosecution's sentencing recommendation were not immediately available in court records.
What happened at Mill Creek Falls
Authorities say the shooting unfolded in the early morning hours of June 11, 2025, after a group gathered in the park. A 911 call brought officers to the area, where they found Jackson near the drive into Mill Creek Falls, as reported by News 5 Cleveland. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators said witness statements, along with technological leads, helped them zero in on a suspect, and Paul later turned herself in that same day.
Court timeline and next steps
Paul had previously been indicted on multiple counts and first appeared in municipal court shortly after her June arrest, Cleveland 19 reports. With the case now moving into the sentencing phase, Judge Vodrey is expected to consider any plea deal terms, as well as arguments and recommendations from both prosecutors and the defense when Paul returns to court on May 7.
Family reaction and park safety
Jackson's relatives have described her as a devoted mother of two and say they have been left to navigate deep grief as the case approaches its conclusion, according to News 5 Cleveland. Cleveland Metroparks officials have stressed that the area is regularly patrolled and noted that cameras and other technology in and around the park played a role in assisting detectives with the investigation.
