Lorain Daily Was First to Report West Sixth Street Shooting
By Aaron Knapp, Lorain Daily Staff Reporter
LORAIN, OH (April 5, 2025) – Over a week after a violent weekend gripped Lorain, the community remains deeply concerned as the homicide investigation into the death of 31-year-old William Cummings continues without any arrests announced. Lorain Daily was the sole local news outlet to initially report on the West Sixth Street shooting in the immediate aftermath of the March 29th incident, highlighting the vehicle crash and the early indications of a more serious event.
The violent weekend began in the early hours of Saturday, March 29th, with a shooting at Unk’s Lounge on Pearl Avenue, injuring two people and leading to arrests on related charges, as first reported by Lorain Daily. Hours later, at approximately 4:06 a.m., the focus shifted to West Sixth Street, where William Cummings of Cleveland was found injured in his vehicle near the intersection of Broadway Avenue.
Homicide Investigation Focuses on Cleveland Man
As Lorain Daily first reported, while initial reports from authorities focused on a traffic accident, early investigation by Lorain Daily, based on official accident reports and on-the-ground information, pointed to a shooting. It wasn’t until several days later that other local news outlets confirmed the homicide investigation into Cummings’ death, validating Lorain Daily’s initial exclusive reporting. Cummings was found with a gunshot wound after an apparent altercation near Bootlegger’s Den (this is a closed Bar for Location reference). He was transported to Mercy Health Lorain Hospital but succumbed to his injuries days later.
Remembering William “Pooder,” “Will,” “Gully,” or “Lay” Cummings: A Mother’s Heartbreak
In a heartfelt statement released by his mother, Yovette, William Cummings is remembered as a loving and positive presence in the lives of those who knew him. Affectionately known as “Pooder,” William was also called “Will,” “Gully,” or “Lay” by those close to him. Yovette described her son as “a joy to be around” who “always could make you laugh even if you didn’t feel like laughing.” She emphasized his role as “a big motivator, speaking positivity to anyone who needed it,” acknowledging that while “not perfect by far, he was my Baby Boy” and “a whole vibe of his own” who will be “truly missed.” Yovette has also made a public appeal for assistance with his funeral arrangements.
Remembering William Cummings: An Outpouring of Community Grief
A remembrance page has been created on Facebook in honor of William Cummings at https://www.facebook.com/Clevelandremembrancepage. On this page, friends, family, and community members are sharing their heartfelt condolences. Jean Hudson posted, “My heart goes out to you and your family. May the love and memories of your son bring you comfort and peace.” Other messages of support include John Harris suggesting reaching out to “pastor vernen the word church,” Levon Foster repeatedly saying “Jesus Jesus Jesus,” and Joe Harding offering “Sincere Condolences To You And Family.” Ruthy Talbert also shared her sympathy, writing, “So sorry for the lost of your son. My prayers are with you and your family.” This digital space serves as a testament to the impact of Cummings’ life and the community’s shared sorrow.
Remembering William Cummings: A Life Marked by Legal Issues
Court records reveal a significant criminal history for William Cummings. These records include the following cases:
- CR-14-583942-A: Charges including carrying concealed weapons and receiving stolen property, to which he pled guilty (no contest).
- CR-15-593590-A: Charges including aggravated robbery, felonious assault, and having weapons while under disability, to which he pled guilty (no contest).
- CR-22-671621-B: Charges including having weapons while under disability and carrying concealed weapons.
- CR-23-683267-A: Charges including felonious assault and having weapons while under disability; this case was dismissed.
It is important to reiterate that these are past legal matters and do not determine guilt in the current homicide investigation. However, they provide context to the life of the victim and may be a point of discussion within the community.
Community Seeks Justice for Cummings
Despite his past legal issues, the loving words of his mother and the outpouring of community support underscore the profound loss felt by those who knew William Cummings. The lack of arrests in the case has amplified concerns about safety and the effectiveness of the ongoing investigation. Residents continue to voice their anxieties and demand answers regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.
Unk’s Lounge Shooting and Unconfirmed Sunset Blvd. Incident
As previously reported by Lorain Daily, the violent weekend also included a shooting at Unk’s Lounge on Pearl Avenue, resulting in injuries to two individuals and arrests on related charges. Additionally, a reported shooting on Sunset Blvd. on Sunday afternoon remains unconfirmed by authorities, adding to the overall sense of unease in Lorain.
Investigation Remains Active
The Lorain Police Department has not released any significant updates on the homicide investigation into William Cummings’ death or the other shooting incidents. They continue to urge anyone with information to contact them at 440-204-2105.
Lorain Daily remains committed to providing the community with the most current and comprehensive information as these investigations unfold. Our early and exclusive reporting on the West Sixth Street shooting underscores our dedication to keeping Lorain informed. The focus now remains on uncovering the truth behind William Cummings’ death and bringing those responsible to justice, while also acknowledging the profound grief of his loved ones.
Clarification: While there was previous information suggesting Bootlegger’s Den was a closed bar used only as a reference point, recent news reports place the shooting of William Cummings in the parking lot of Bootlegger’s Den, located at 538 Broadway Avenue. This indicates that the location was accessible at the time of the incident on March 29th, 2025, although the operational status of the business itself remains unclear.