Two Cleveland, Ohio, residents have been sentenced after the death of a father who tried to protect his son during a neighborhood fight.
Incident Background
On April 14, 2025, a fight broke out between two 12-year-old boys—one the son of Norman Duncan, 37, the other the son of Marvin Atkins and Ann Marie Clayton, both 36. During the altercation, Atkins and Clayton allegedly held Duncan’s son against his will. When Duncan intervened to protect his child, the couple attacked him.
Fatal Attack
Clayton struck Duncan in the head with a brick. While Duncan and his son attempted to leave, Atkins and Clayton drove their Chevy Impala onto the curb, intentionally running over Duncan. Duncan was taken to a hospital where he later died.
Arrest and Charges
The couple fled and were apprehended nine days later in Cleveland. They were initially charged with aggravated murder, two counts of murder, attempted murder, and three counts of felonious assault.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
On May 14, both pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Atkins was sentenced to 15 to 20½ years in prison, while Clayton received a three-year sentence. Both defendants apologized in court. Clayton said, “If I could rewind the hands of time, I would’ve made sure this never happened,” and Atkins added, “I’m not, like, a monster. I didn’t mean to hit him.”
Family Response
A family member expressed acceptance of Clayton’s apology, stating, “I feel that it is sincere.”
