The Park Bench Murders of Carnell “Nell” Sledge and Katherine “Kate” Brown in Cleveland Ohio

On June 4, 2019, a quiet summer afternoon in Cleveland, Ohio, turned into one of the city’s most haunting unsolved crimes. Two friends, Carnell “Nell” Sledge and Katherine “Kate” Brown, met up at a peaceful stretch of the Rocky River Reservation to catch up. Within minutes of sitting on a simple park bench, both were shot and killed execution-style in broad daylight. More than five years later, the double homicide remains a mystery that has shaken the community, puzzled investigators, and devastated the families of the victims.

A Friendship and a Chance Meeting

Carnell Sledge, known as Nell to friends and family, was a 40-year-old Cleveland native celebrated for his generous spirit and commitment to helping others. He worked extensively with youth programs, mentoring children and teens in underserved communities. His infectious smile and ability to lift up those around him left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Katherine Brown, affectionately called Kate, was 33 years old. She was the kind of person who lit up every room she walked into, known for her humor, love of music, and devotion to her nieces and nephews, who called her “TiTi.” Friends described her as someone who embraced life and had a genuine love for people.

Nell and Kate had been friends for over a decade. On the afternoon of June 4, they decided to meet up spontaneously. Around 4:00 p.m., Carnell sent a text suggesting they catch up. After a brief phone call while Kate was leaving the gym, the two arranged to meet at a scenic spot in the Rocky River Reservation just after 5:00 p.m.

The Rocky River Reservation

The Rocky River Reservation is part of the Cleveland Metroparks system, known for its lush greenery, winding trails, and peaceful riverside views. The particular spot they chose that day was a small gravel pull-off near the Lorain Road Bridge in Fairview Park, Ohio. Down a slope and partially shielded by trees, the area is frequented by walkers, bikers, and kayakers who enjoy the scenic waterway.

Despite its beauty, the location also offers seclusion. The bench where Nell and Kate sat was only a few feet from the riverbank, with dense foliage behind it and limited visibility from the road above. The gravel lot could hold only a handful of cars, making it an intimate and quiet setting, especially on a weekday afternoon.

The Murders

At approximately 5:00 p.m., a witness reported seeing both arrive at the park. They parked separately, exited their vehicles, and walked down to the bench. At 5:18 p.m., kayakers pulling into the area made a horrifying discovery. Carnell was lying face-down near the bench with a gunshot wound to the head. Katherine was just a few feet away, partially in the water, also shot in the head. Investigators later determined that Kate may have attempted to run after the first shots were fired but collapsed within steps of the bench.

Three shell casings from a small-caliber handgun were found near the bodies. The lack of defensive wounds, absence of a struggle, and execution-style headshots suggested the attack was sudden and swift. The killer was close—likely within a few feet of the victims—and fled without being seen.

A Crime Without Motive

One of the most baffling aspects of the Park Bench Murders is the absence of an apparent motive. Neither victim had known enemies, and both were well-loved in their communities. There were no signs of robbery; their wallets, phones, jewelry, and cars were untouched. The crime scene showed no evidence of an argument or altercation.

Investigators considered whether the murders were targeted or random. The precision of the shots led some to suspect a deliberate, possibly professional hit. Others theorized it could have been a crime of opportunity—a disturbed individual who happened upon the pair in an isolated moment. Despite the crime occurring in broad daylight, no credible witnesses reported seeing the shooter or hearing the gunshots, which has added to the mystery.

The Silent Witness

A roofer parked in a work truck near the gravel lot that day told police he had been writing estimates around the time of the murders. He claimed to have seen the victims arrive but reported hearing no gunshots and seeing nothing suspicious. His statement has been a source of debate among those following the case. The proximity of his truck to the bench makes it difficult to imagine how he could have missed the attack, but investigators noted that environmental noise—traffic from the nearby bridge, the sound of the river, or music playing in the truck—could have masked the sound of gunfire.

The Investigation

The Cleveland Metroparks Police, in collaboration with the FBI, launched an intensive investigation. They canvassed the area, interviewed dozens of potential witnesses, and reviewed surveillance footage from surrounding roads and park entrances. Despite their efforts, no suspect or vehicle of interest was identified. Investigators also released appeals to the public, offering a significant reward for information leading to an arrest.

Forensic teams collected evidence, including the shell casings and other trace materials from the scene. Years later, authorities announced they had recovered a minuscule amount of trace DNA. Although too limited to identify a suspect immediately, it provided a glimmer of hope that future advances in forensic technology could yield a match.

Leads and Theories

One potential lead emerged when investigators began exploring whether a nearby murder-suicide in West Park, committed by a man named Bryan Hurt, might be connected. Hurt lived within minutes of the Rocky River Reservation and had a history of violent behavior. While his gun was ruled out as the murder weapon through ballistic testing, detectives have not fully eliminated him as a person of interest, and the connection remains under review.

Other theories have ranged from a targeted attack by someone who knew one of the victims to a random encounter with a dangerous stranger. Some have speculated about a professional hit due to the precise nature of the shootings. However, without concrete evidence, all theories remain speculation.

The Families’ Fight for Justice

The families of Carnell Sledge and Katherine Brown have spent years seeking answers and justice. They have spoken publicly about their frustration with the lack of progress and have continued to keep the case in the public eye. For them, the pain is not only in losing their loved ones but also in the absence of closure.

Both families have emphasized the importance of the victims’ legacies. Carnell is remembered for his dedication to helping children and his unwavering positivity. Katherine is remembered for her warmth, humor, and the deep love she had for her family. Their lives touched countless people, and their loss continues to be felt in their communities.

Public Awareness and Media Attention

The case gained national attention when it was featured on Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries. The episode, titled “Park Bench Murders,” brought renewed focus to the case and sparked a wave of tips and theories from viewers across the country. Podcasts and true crime programs have also covered the murders extensively, keeping public interest alive and reinforcing the call for information.

Despite the exposure, the case remains unsolved. Authorities continue to appeal for tips, and a substantial reward remains in place for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

The Ongoing Mystery

The Park Bench Murders are a chilling reminder of how quickly and inexplicably life can be taken. In just minutes, two vibrant lives were ended, leaving behind a trail of grief and unanswered questions. How could such a brazen crime happen in broad daylight with no witnesses and no clear motive? Was it a targeted act or a random encounter with someone unhinged?

As years pass, the hope for answers persists. Advances in DNA technology, new witnesses coming forward, or a break in the case could finally bring justice to Carnell Sledge and Katherine Brown. Until then, the small park bench by the river remains a silent monument to a crime that continues to haunt Cleveland.