A shooting that occurred on Sunday in Cleveland by an enraged gunman has everyone wondering who and what sparked his rampage.
According to Cleveland police, Steve Stephens, 48, is a suspect in the killing of 74-year-old Robert Godwin Sr. which was filmed and posted to Facebook.
In the horrific video, Stephens asks the elderly man to say the name “Joy Lane,” adding, “She’s the reason that this is about to happen to you” before pulling the trigger pointed to his head. In the caption for the video, Stephens claims he’s killed a dozen people and won’t stop until Joy calls him.
Lane sent “prayers” to the family members of victims in a text message received by CBS.
“We had been in a relationship for several years,” she told the news outlet. “I am sorry that all of this has happened. My heart and prayers goes out to the family members of the victim(s). Steve really is a nice guy… he is generous with everyone he knows. He was kind and loving to me and my children. This is a very difficult time for me and my family. Please respect our privacy at this time.”
While it’s clear that Stephens fragility has nothing to do with Lane, many still continue to indict the woman by calling the incident the “Joy Lane Massacre.”
In response, many more individuals pointed out that the killing shouldn’t be put on Joy.
“Hey Steve Stephens. Joy Lane is not the reason. You are. It’s all on you,” said a Zanna Clair.
If we critically think this through, Stephens is responsible for his own actions. We have no knowledge on why Lane decided to part ways with him and what lead her the decision. But we also know that women have a right to peaceable part ways with significant others.
No one should be guilted into staying in a relationship, and furthermore, policing the actions of a grown man.
What we should focus on right now is praying for the family of Godwin Sr., staying safe while Stephens is still on the loose, and spreading awareness about mental health and domestic-related homicides.