Grand jury indicts 17-year-old in fatal shooting of teen at Cleveland’s E. 185th Deli
Indictment follows September 2025 killing in North Shore Collinwood
A Cuyahoga County grand jury has indicted a 17-year-old boy accused in the fatal shooting of another teenager outside a Cleveland deli, moving the case into the adult criminal court system and setting an arraignment later this month.
The defendant, Royal King, 17, was indicted on charges of aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault, carrying a concealed weapon and improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle. He remains held on a $1 million bond at the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Facility. Court records list his arraignment in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court for Feb. 26, 2026.
What investigators say happened at the deli
The case stems from the death of Jahari Stegall, 17, who was shot on Sept. 19, 2025 at E. 185th Deli in Cleveland’s North Shore Collinwood neighborhood. Emergency responders pronounced Stegall dead at the scene after being called to the area around 7 p.m. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner later identified the victim.
Investigators allege King drove to the deli in a stolen vehicle, entered the store and moved through the aisles. Security video is described as showing Stegall approaching from the parking lot, then encountering King at the door. Prosecutors allege King had a gun in his hand and shot Stegall in the back of the head before fleeing.
Arrest, bindover and the next steps in court
King was arrested Oct. 29, 2025 at a home on East 147th Street. After his arrest, juvenile court proceedings advanced to a bindover decision, a process Ohio uses to determine whether certain allegations against minors should be handled in adult court. On Feb. 11, 2026, the case was bound over, clearing the way for a grand jury to consider felony charges.
The Feb. 17, 2026 indictment formalizes those charges and starts the next phase of the prosecution in common pleas court, where felony cases are litigated. At arraignment, a defendant is typically informed of charges and enters an initial plea. Further hearings can address bond, evidence issues and a potential trial schedule.
Key facts at a glance
- Victim: Jahari Stegall, 17
- Date of killing: Sept. 19, 2025
- Location: E. 185th Deli, North Shore Collinwood
- Defendant: Royal King, 17
- Indictment date: Feb. 17, 2026
- Next court date: Arraignment scheduled for Feb. 26, 2026
In the U.S. justice system, an indictment is an allegation, not proof, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.