Carnell Edward Sledge, the late founder of Sledge’s Helping Hands, was a Bedford, Ohio native with a passion for helping children and a deep love for Cleveland sports. A devoted fan of the Guardians, Browns, and Cavaliers, he had a career in visual technology but was equally passionate about volunteering with children and teens with special needs. Carnell dedicated his time to working with youth at Empower Sports, Applewood Centers, and Westlake Schools.

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On Tuesday, June 4, 2019, in the Rocky River Reservation between 5:00 and 5:08 p.m., Carnell and his longtime friend, Catherine “Kate” Brown of Fairview Park, Ohio, were violently murdered approximately 10 minutes after their arrival. Their bodies were found near the western bank of the Rocky River, north of the Lorain Road Bridge, around 5:20 p.m.

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Information or tips about the unsolved double homicide should be given to the FBI Cleveland Field Office at 216-622-6842, Cleveland Metroparks Police at 440-331-5219, or Crime Stoppers of Cuyahoga County at 216-252-7463. Or submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov. There may be a $100,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.