Cleveland Jury Convicts Maurice Thompson in Fatal Shooting
A jury found Maurice Thompson guilty of murder and other charges in the death of 36-year-old Juan Rampon Ruiz Lopez.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Violence
A jury has convicted 21-year-old Maurice Thompson for the murder of Cleveland resident Juan Rampon Ruiz Lopez. The incident resulted in the death of the 36-year-old victim following a shooting at Public Square.
Why it matters
The conviction brings a legal conclusion to the investigation into the fatal shooting of Juan Rampon Ruiz Lopez. The case also included charges related to an earlier carjacking incident that occurred near Euclid Avenue.
A jury convicted the 21-year-old defendant on counts including murder, felonious assault, and robbery. The court has scheduled sentencing for Oct. 22.
The players
Maurice Thompson
He is a 21-year-old defendant who was convicted of murder and robbery charges.
Juan Rampon Ruiz Lopez
He was a 36-year-old resident of Cleveland who died from gunshot wounds.
The details
Maurice Thompson shot 36-year-old Juan Rampon Ruiz Lopez after the two had been sitting together at a bus stop at Public Square. The defendant fled the scene on foot following the shooting, and he was also linked to a separate carjacking of a 31-year-old man near Euclid Avenue.
Timeline
March 22, 2024: The shooting of Juan Rampon Ruiz Lopez occurred at 1 a.m.
March 25, 2024: Juan Rampon Ruiz Lopez died at MetroHealth Medical Center.
May 13, 2024: Maurice Thompson was taken into custody by authorities.
October 2026: A jury found Maurice Thompson guilty of the charges.
Oct. 22, 2026: A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Maurice Thompson.
Legal Context
This case follows the established procedural path for homicide cases adjudicated within the local court system. The jury's verdict reflects current standards for prosecuting violent crimes in the jurisdiction.
The conclusion of this trial provides closure regarding the violent incident at Public Square. Residents and businesses in the area should note the sentencing date as the final phase of the legal process.
The takeaway
The jury's guilty verdict serves as a final determination of criminal culpability in this specific instance of gun violence. Legal proceedings will conclude when the court issues a sentence at the upcoming hearing.
What happens next
Maurice Thompson is scheduled to appear for his sentencing hearing on Oct. 22, 2026.
Further reading
For more on local crime trends, visit Cleveland Violence.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cleveland19.
