CLEVELAND — Federal marshals in northern Ohio took two violent fugitives off the streets on Thursday, arresting a 19-year-old wanted by Cleveland police for aggravated murder and a 29-year-old former high school band director wanted on child sex charges in Stark County.
Jayden Lockett, 19, and Stephen Imler, 29, were arrested by members of the U.S. Marshals – Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. Both men are charged — not convicted — and remain presumed innocent under the law.
TL;DR: On Oct. 23, 2026, the U.S. Marshals’ Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested Jayden Lockett, 19, wanted by Cleveland police for aggravated murder in a Sept. 29 double shooting that killed a 22-year-old, and Stephen Imler, 29, a former Northwest High School band director wanted by the Stark County Sheriff’s Office on three counts of sexual battery and two counts of grooming.
A Double Shooting in Cleveland
Lockett was wanted by the Cleveland Division of Police for aggravated murder. The underlying case began on Sept. 29, 2026, when officers from the department’s 5th District responded to a shots-fired call near the 1000 block of E. 68th Street, the Marshals Service said.
When officers arrived, Cleveland EMS and Fire personnel were already on the scene rendering aid to two men who had been shot while sitting in a vehicle on E. 55th Street. A 22-year-old man suffered two gunshot wounds to the head and later died at the hospital. A 21-year-old man was shot in the leg, treated, and eventually released.
On Thursday, task force members arrested Lockett at an address in the 5600 block of Hege Avenue in Cleveland. A firearm was also seized during the arrest, according to the Marshals Service.
Former Band Director Wanted on Sex Charges
The second fugitive, Stephen Imler, was a band director and music teacher at Northwest High School in Stark County. On Aug. 18, 2026, he was placed on administrative leave following allegations and a police investigation into sexual battery and grooming, the Marshals Service said. On Sept. 2, 2026, Imler officially resigned from the school.
Imler was later charged with three counts of sexual battery and two counts of grooming by the Stark County Sheriff’s Office. The task force arrested him Thursday at an address in the 4600 block of Hametown Road in Norton, Ohio.
“These Two Violent Offenders Were Taken Off the Streets”
U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott praised the arrests in a statement, saying: “These two violent offenders were taken off the streets today. Our task force works tirelessly to arrest the most dangerous fugitives, like these, who prey on our communities and citizens.”
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is a multi-agency unit dedicated to tracking down the region’s most dangerous wanted fugitives. Officials encourage anyone with information about a wanted fugitive to contact the task force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833) or email [email protected]. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.
What Comes Next
Lockett faces an aggravated murder charge stemming from the Cleveland double shooting, while Imler faces sex charges out of Stark County. Both are at the very start of their cases: neither has been convicted, and both are entitled to the presumption of innocence as their cases move through the courts.
FAQ
Who are Jayden Lockett and Stephen Imler?
Jayden Lockett, 19, is wanted by the Cleveland Division of Police for aggravated murder. Stephen Imler, 29, is a former Northwest High School band director wanted by the Stark County Sheriff’s Office on three counts of sexual battery and two counts of grooming. Both were arrested by U.S. Marshals on Oct. 23, 2026.
What happened in the Cleveland shooting?
On Sept. 29, 2026, two men were shot while sitting in a vehicle on E. 55th Street in Cleveland. A 22-year-old man died of two gunshot wounds to the head; a 21-year-old man was wounded in the leg and survived.
Where was Lockett arrested?
At an address in the 5600 block of Hege Avenue in Cleveland. A firearm was also seized during the arrest.
What are the allegations against Stephen Imler?
He is charged with three counts of sexual battery and two counts of grooming. He was placed on administrative leave from Northwest High School on Aug. 18, 2026, and resigned on Sept. 2, 2026. He has not been convicted.
Where was Imler arrested?
At an address in the 4600 block of Hametown Road in Norton, Ohio.
What is the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force?
A multi-agency unit led by the U.S. Marshals Service that locates and arrests the most dangerous fugitives in northern Ohio.
Have Lockett or Imler been convicted?
No. Both men are charged, not convicted, and remain presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
How can the public report fugitive tips?
Call the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833) or email [email protected]. Rewards are available and tipsters may stay anonymous.
Featured image: Cleveland Division of Police cruisers. Photo via Flickr.
