Body of officer killed on duty returns home

October 24, 2017 at 12:10a.m.

Staff report

GIRARD

The rain had only grown in intensity as the gray morning turned into a grayer afternoon, but the dozens of Girard residents gathered along U.S. Route 422 to witness the somber return of a local hero were not deterred by the cold droplets.

The body of Girard police officer Justin Leo, 31, was returned to the city Monday after being examined in Cleveland by the Cuyahoga County Coroner’s office.

To pay their respects, more than a dozen regional police departments drove in a nearly 100-car procession accompanying Leo’s body. More than 50 people lined Route 422 to watch the procession enter the city – many parked in cars or watching from under the awnings of nearby businesses, others simply standing in the downpour.

On Monday, the Trumbull County coroner confirmed that Jason Marble, 36, was the man who was killed at the scene by police.

Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Girard police, however, have not officially confirmed Marble shot Leo.

Marble had an extensive police record in both Trumbull and Lorain counties and was saved in 2015 by Liberty first responders who revived him after an overdose.

But Marble’s past wasn’t on the minds of those gathered along the procession route. They were there to honor Leo.

Frank and Tamara Marraffa waited more than two hours for the arrival of the police convoy.

“Fact of the matter is, police serve the community. Everyone should be out here to support them,” Frank Marraffa said.

Farther down the street, a Girard firetruck had its ladder bucket raised, with an American flag dangling below.

Bethany Rouan, a correctional officer, stood near the firetruck and waited to pay her respects.

“It’s a hit to us all,” she said, fighting back tears. “I’m just here to show respect to him and all the other officers.”

On Indiana Avenue, the street where the fatal encounter occurred, several homes were flying “Thin Blue Line” American flags – black and white flags featuring a lone blue stripe through the center – to show their support for the police.

Arron Wayland, who lives near the scene of the shooting, tearfully recalled watching the events unfold.

“I saw the officer get shot,” he said. “Everyone was in disbelief. It was totally uncalled for, unprovoked.”

Neighbors told Wayland that Marble’s girlfriend called police from another house on the street after Marble threatened to kill her and her kids.

Leo approached the door, and “everything seemed fine,” he said.

Wayland said Marble suddenly pulled out his gun a few minutes later and shot Leo.

Marble fled immediately, and another man ran out the back door of the house, Wayland recalled.

The man who fled out the back door is identified as Adam Fletcher, who called 911 from Marble’s home the night of the shooting. He was arrested early Sunday by Niles police.

Fletcher is in the Trumbull County jail on a warrant issued for violating his probation on a 2013 burglary conviction.

While Wayland didn’t know Leo personally, he recalled Leo would umpire Wayland’s middle-school baseball games. Leo’s father also was Wayland’s middle-school principal.

“He was loved by the entire city,” he said. “He made a really positive impact.”

Richard Fry, who lives down the street, said he hasn’t lived in the quiet neighborhood long, but when he talked to Marble and his girlfriend, they were friendly. He said he often waved at the young boy and girl who lived at the house.

“I saw Leo around here a couple times. He was always a professional,” he said.

Kathy Crown also waited on State Street for the procession to begin. “He gave his life for the city,” Crown said of Leo. “Girard is a close-knit community. We back each other up.”

“It’s a respect thing,” added Larry Rhodes, who was waiting with his wife, Jennifer. “These guys put their lives on the line.”

Trish Vince of Vapors Dream on State Street was outside with an American flag waiting for the procession.

“It’s important for the community to show support and to come together,” she said. “At this time we all need to be unified.”

Later Monday evening, Girard City Council met for the first time since Leo was killed. Inside city hall were a number of wreaths and photos memorializing the officer.

At the beginning of the meeting, council President Reynold Paolone asked for a moment of silence to remember Leo.

Councilman Mark Standohar, D-2nd, expressed his sympathies for the family, saying he had just left their home before the meeting.

Near the end of the council session, Joseph Shelby, councilman at-large, proposed the creation of a memorial plaque for the officer. The details as to the plaque’s design and where it will be displayed will be decided with input from Girard police. The proposal passed unanimously.

Calling hours and a funeral service will be at Girard High School. Calling hours are from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday. The funeral Mass will be at 2 p.m. Sunday in the high-school gymnasium.

Contributors: Staff writers Graig Graziosi, Samantha Phillips, Justin Wier and Joe Gorman