Kelly Slobodian and Mark Thomas, residents of Westpark, Cleveland, have experienced relentless stalking, assault, and violence from their neighbor and his family, leading to public outcry over perceived failures in the local justice system. Despite community mediation, restraining orders, and community meetings, the neighbor’s behavior escalated, including installing cameras directed at Kelly's home and trespassing. In October 2022, Mark and Kelly were assaulted by six adults related to the neighbor, resulting in indictments for four. The couple was further dismayed when Mark was falsely charged with a city violation, leading to the dismissal of the assault case against their attackers, despite his acquittal. The assailants later had their charges expunged, leaving Kelly and Mark feeling abandoned by the justice system.Their story, brought to light by the ID network https://play.max.com/show/7f260c30-e136-4415-b11a-04379674db4b and Cleveland Channel 19 news https://www.cleveland19.com/2024/11/13/man-accused-shooting-neighbor-back-out-jail/
In March 2024, Mark and Kelly filed a civil suit against their neighbors regarding an assault from October 2, 2022. On October 11, 2024, Mark was allegedly shot in the back by the neighbor, who later claimed Mark had a gun, a claim not supported by police evidence. Despite video evidence and witness testimony, the neighbors have seemingly evaded accountability, leading Mark and Kelly to believe the Cleveland judicial system has failed them and jeopardized their lives, home, and careers. They allege the neighbor has garnered support, fostering a toxic environment potentially enabled by the judicial system. Following the emergence of video evidence, neighbors blamed Mark's appearance, and racial bias resurfaced after the shooting. Allegations of influence and power abuse, coupled with biased remarks in court, raise concerns about hate crimes and judicial bias. Mark and Kelly think they're being targeted for seeking justice. It seems the Westpark area of Cleveland, Ohio, protects people who brutally hurt women and exploit local police influence and legal technicalities to avoid being charged with crimes. Oddly, these attackers have backers who consistently help make things unpleasant. The attackers are trying to make a good couple look bad for simply wanting to be happy and safe at home. Cleveland's leaders need to consider what's right and wrong.Mark and Kelly were victims of a violent home attack, despite an active protection order against Steven M Rogers, who remains unarrested. They face ongoing harassment, including contact with their work and family. Mark believes stereotypes are fueling conspiracies against him, contributing to manipulation of the justice system amid Cleveland's rising crime.
Mark testified about the "predator" succeeding without consequence, while Kelly's life has been uprooted. Her fiancé suffered physical harm with no repercussions for the perpetrators, who Mark says enable each other's behavior and are accomplices. Mark questions why people involved in crimes can testify in court and the validity of blaming the victim as a defense strategy.Since Mark's shooting on October 11, 2024, the couple faces ongoing physical and mental rehabilitation, financial instability, and safety concerns. Their court case has been repeatedly delayed, and no charges have been filed against Steven M Rogers or his family, despite the shooting occurring near a church and school. Their federal case was dropped, and they struggled to find legal representation in Cleveland. They feel that ethics and professionalism are missing from Cleveland's justice system. Pro Se has proven difficult to find justice. The man accused of shooting Mark and attacking both Mark and Kelly is now claiming a sudden breathing issue, according to his family, on the same day he was scheduled to defend himself in court. A police officer in the courtroom is supporting this health issue story to the judge, which is part of his pity party defense. The Cleveland court system seems untrustworthy. If crime is down by half, what exactly is at its highest? Throughout the court process, those bothering Mark and Kelly give many weak and unsubstantiated reasons for their actions. City and county lawyers have ignored Mark and Kelly's descriptions of the attacks against them, even though they are the ones being hurt. Mark says someone is complaining about a notary public who is allegedly helping create fake papers. This suggests a group of abusers in West Park, and Mark wants to expose their horrible actions.Mark and Kelly are available for media inquiries; contact Sherri at iamslugn@gmail.com, using "Justice" in the subject line.
