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LEAVITTSBURG – The teenager who died two days after being shot in the face by a family member in Warren Township has been identified as Jesse Hayes, 15, of Parma.
Thomas Catalde Jr., 28, who is Hayes’ cousin, said he was showing the teen his new 12-gauge shotgun about 10:30 p.m. Saturday when the weapon fired, according to Warren Township police Chief Don Bishop. Catalde told Bishop he was not aware the shotgun was loaded, the chief said.
Hayes was flown by medical helicopter to MetroHealth Cleveland. He died about 4 p.m. Monday.
Parma is a suburb in the greater Cleveland area.
The shooting occurred at 205 Ruth Ave.
Bishop, who initially identified Catalde as Hayes’ uncle, on Tuesday said family members referred to Catalde as an uncle although he was a cousin.
The police chief is waiting for a coroner’s report on the cause of Hayes’ death before turning information over to the Trumbull County Prosecutor’s Office to determine if charges should be filed.
A spokesman with the Cuyahoga County Coroner’s Office said the department did not have a ruling on Tuesday afternoon.
The teenager has been coming to the township on most weekends to visit family members and to be taught how to drive, Bishop said Monday.
“There does not appear to be, at this time, any family disagreements or confrontations that were happening,” he had said.