EUCLID, Ohio — The Euclid Police Department released a statement following the conclusion of the investigation by the Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) into the death of Officer Jacob Derbin, who was killed in the line of duty almost a year ago on May 11, 2024.
In their statement, they say there was no evidence “that anyone other than the suspect was responsible for Jacob’s death” and that a Cuyahoga County Grand Jury “returned a no-bill, exonerating EPD Officers of any wrongdoing.”
“There has been no effort by the EPD to obscure the facts surrounding Jacob’s murder,” the statement reads. “We have fully cooperated with all outside investigators. The City of Euclid has also fulfilled massive public record requests filed by multiple individuals and entities, including the Derbin family.”
Derbin, 23, was killed while responding to a disturbance call.
Authorities said while police were investigating, a gunman opened fire, striking Derbin. He was taken to an area hospital and died from his injuries, police said.
A manhunt for the suspect, Deshawn Anthony Vaughn, 24, came to an end the next day at a Shaker Heights apartment complex, police said. After a several-hour standoff with police, Vaughn was located dead inside.
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner said Vaughn died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
In the statement issued Tuesday, it states that Euclid Police Chief Scott Meyer requested BCI investigate Derbin’s death for a few reasons. It allowed officers to work on catching the suspect as well as ensured an impartial investigation.
“Finally, by requesting BCI’s involvement, Chief Meyer showed compassion to his fellow Officers by not burdening them with the unimaginable responsibility of investigating the horrific murder of one of their own,” the statement reads.
Derbin was in his first year of service with the department and was engaged, planning for a wedding in July. Departments across the state honored his life after he was killed.
In the statement, Euclid police said they hope a new stage of the healing process can begin now that this investigation is closed.
“An important piece of this process includes our participation in Police Week ceremonies both locally and in our nation’s Capital where both our community and country can honor the lives of fallen Officers,” the statement reads. “For it is together, among peers, friends, and family where we will share our love and grief and summon the will to continue our important work; never forgetting that some made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of others.”
Spectrum News 1 Ohio producer Nathan Sharman, senior producer Lydia Taylor and executive producer Aaron Hepker contributed to this report.
