Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A huge manhunt is under way for a suspect who police in Ohio said shot and killed an elderly passer-by and posted the killing on Facebook.
Steve Stephens, 37, is wanted on a charge of aggravated murder in connection with the death of Robert Godwin Sr in Cleveland.
Police have warned residents of the surrounding states of Pennsylvania, New York, Indiana and Michigan to be on the lookout for Stephens, who they said may have travelled out of Ohio.
In the video, which appears shaky, Stephens gets out of his car and appears to randomly target Mr Godwin, 74, who is holding a plastic shopping bag.
Stephens says the name of a woman, whom Mr Godwin does not seem to recognise.
"She's the reason that this is about to happen to you," Stephens tells Mr Godwin before pointing a gun at him. Mr Godwin can be seen shielding his face with the shopping bag.
Facebook said the suspect did go live on the social media website at one point during the day, but not during the killing. Police earlier had said that Stephens had broadcast it on Facebook Live.
The video of the killing was on Facebook for about three hours before it was removed. Stephens's Facebook page also was eventually removed.
"This is a horrific crime and we do not allow this kind of content on Facebook," said a company spokesman. "We work hard to keep a safe environment on Facebook, and are in touch with law enforcement in emergencies when there are direct threats to physical safety."
The victim's son, Robert Godwin Jr, told Cleveland.com that he cannot bring himself to watch the video.
"I haven't watched the video. I haven't even looked at my cellphone or the news," Mr Godwin said. "I don't really want to see it."
He said his father, a retired foundry worker, collected aluminium cans and often walked with a plastic shopping bag, picking cans up if he saw them on ground.
The son said he believed his father was looking for cans on Sunday when Stephens approached him.
In a separate video posted on Facebook, Stephens claimed to have killed more than a dozen other people.
"Like I said, I killed 13, so I'm working on 14 as we speak," he said.
Police have not verified any other shootings or deaths, Police Chief Calvin Williams said.
"There are no more victims that we know are tied to him," he said.
Police said they have been talking with family and friends of Stephens, who is a case manager at Beech Brook, a behavioural health agency headquartered in Pepper Pike, near Cleveland.
"We were shocked and horrified to learn of this news today," agency spokeswoman Nancy Kortemeyer said in a statement. "We are hoping that the Cleveland Police will be able to apprehend Mr Stephens as soon as possible and before anyone else is injured."
In one of the videos, Stephens can be seen holding up his Beech Brook employee identification badge.
"I'm killing with my Beech Brook badge on too," he says.
Stephens also mentioned his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, in one of his Facebook posts. The fraternity issued a statement Sunday night.
"On behalf of the Supreme Council and the members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, we lift our sincere and heartfelt prayers and condolences of comfort to the families impacted by the recent shooting in Cleveland, Ohio," it said.
Police said Stephens should be considered armed and dangerous.
The FBI said it was assisting in the investigation.
AP
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments