by Stacy Jackson
October 10, 2024
The reporter was found shot to death on the sidewalk Monday morning. The family says the domestic violence incident led to multiple surgeries.
Family members of Ohio reporter Winnie Dortch are asking the public to keep the WOIO 19 News reporter in their prayers after she was shot and hospitalized, allegedly due to a domestic violence incident on the morning of October 7th.
19 News reported that Dortch continues to be treated at MetroHealth Medical Center following the domestic violence incident that led Lakewood police to a crime scene near Clifton Boulevard before 8 a.m. on Oct. 7 between two people, they found a man and a woman on the sidewalk, both apparently shot, on Chase Avenue. Authorities recovered a weapon at the scene and later pronounced 34-year-old Bryant Carter dead at the scene.
Lakewood EMS transported Dortch to MetroHealth Medical Center, where she underwent surgery later that morning. According to a GoFundMe organized by Precious Harris, Dortch suffered serious injuries from the incident and several surgeries remain for the reporter, who recently planned to return to Chicago and work for WGN9 News. Winnie is a single mother to her four-year-old daughter Kaelie. “Winnie’s enthusiasm to reunite with her Chicago community and continue her career as a news reporter was something she eagerly looked forward to,” the fundraiser said.
As police continue to investigate the incident, the reporter's 19 News family has sent her well wishes as she recovers from the incident.
On the morning of the incident, WOIO News Director Brian Sinclair released the following statement:
“This morning our friend and colleague Winnie Dortch was the victim of a brutal domestic violence attack. She was immediately taken to MetroHealth Medical Center and underwent surgery for her injuries. Our prayers are with her, her young daughter and the many other victims of domestic violence in our community.”
The Cleveland reporter's family members are “ultimately grateful to God for sparing her life” and expect their loved ones to emerge stronger. They ask the public to keep Dortch in their thoughts and prayers as she recovers physically and emotionally from the domestic violence incident. Contributions will help meet the daily needs and support of Dortch and her daughter as she undergoes treatments and extensive therapy.
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