Who was Brandon Cartellone?
Brandon was a beautiful young man. He was only 21 years old and deeply immersed in pursuing his dreams of becoming a designer. He had a girlfriend. He had friends and a family who loved him deeply. He was a cut-up. He was known for his kindness, his generosity, his willingness to support others. He lived in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland and was part of the energy that makes that neighborhood so vital. He was like many young people in his sense that he was invincible. He threw his arms wide and embraced life. His promise and the joy he brought to living ended brutally on July 26, 2011.
Brandon was killed by a criminal, without conscious or remorse. We tend to think that things like this can’t, don’t happen to good people – that somehow “me” or “my children, my family, the people I love” won’t be involved in anything that would put them in danger. The fact is that criminals, like the person who killed Brandon, are not concerned about who they kill. They don’t stop to think about the innocent lives they cut short or the families they tear apart. If you need proof of this just consider the career of Whitey Bulger.
Brandon deserves justice. So does our community.
Please let the authorities know that you care about crime in our community, that you demand that they protect the public. Demand justice for Brandon and for Cleveland.
How can you help?
Email your city council person
Email your congressman
Email your local news outlets –
Word of mouth – Tell people about Brandon’s story.
Like the Facebook Page dedicated to Brandon’s memory
Come to the rally bring a friend.
Ask your friend to bring a friend.
Don’t let Brandon be forgotten – talk about what happened to him and let people know what they can do to help.
Let’s build a system that can help protect our community.
Anyone with information about the crime is asked to contact the Cleveland police homicide unit at 216-623-5464.
Donate to the Brandon Cartellone Scholarship Fund at the Cleveland Institute of Art
Read the news account
