Two men arrested in U.S. Marshals operation tied to fatal Medusa nightclub shooting downtown Cleveland

Arrests follow weeks-long investigation into Dec. 7 killing of 23-year-old Monte Baker

Two men have been arrested in connection with the deadly shooting of 23-year-old Monte Baker inside Medusa Restaurant and Lounge in downtown Cleveland, a case that prompted renewed scrutiny of safety around late-night venues near St. Clair Avenue.

Authorities said Baker was shot inside the nightclub during the early hours of Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. Officers working in the downtown entertainment district were flagged down in the area of the 1400 block of St. Clair Avenue and informed that a victim had been shot inside the club. Despite life-saving efforts by patrons and officers, Baker was pronounced dead at the scene.

Who was arrested and where

The arrests were carried out by the U.S. Marshals-led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force working with Cleveland Police homicide detectives.

• Steven Cooperwood, 28, was identified as a suspect in the shooting and was arrested on Dec. 24, 2025, at a home in the 1600 block of Sunset Avenue in Akron. Authorities said he was taken into custody without incident.
• Ron Christopher Hunter, 29, was arrested on Jan. 28, 2026, at an address in the 6300 block of White Avenue in Cleveland. Authorities said he was taken into custody without incident.

Authorities have not publicly detailed a motive, the sequence of events inside the club immediately before shots were fired, or the relationship between the suspects and the victim. Officials also have not released information about the weapon or weapons involved.

What is known about the scene and response

The shooting occurred inside a crowded nightclub, and officials said the circumstances could have resulted in additional victims. Investigators have described the case as a coordinated effort between local homicide detectives and a multi-agency fugitive task force, with the goal of locating suspects quickly across jurisdictions.

Business closure and broader public-safety context

In the days following the killing, city officials confirmed that Medusa Restaurant and Lounge, located at 1437 St. Clair Avenue, would close. The closure came amid a wider public discussion about violence associated with certain nightlife locations and the responsibilities of venue operators, property owners, and law enforcement in preventing repeat incidents.

The homicide investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges or defendants could still emerge as detectives continue to review evidence and interview witnesses.

Anyone with information relevant to the case can contact local law enforcement.