Cleveland Homicide Suspect Arrested by U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force

Cleveland, OH – Today, members of the U.S. Marshals led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) arrested Cortez Taylor, 28.  Taylor was wanted by the Cleveland Division of Police for aggravated murder.

On November 17, 2025, officers with the Cleveland Division of Police – First District, responded to a shooting incident near the 9800 block of Denison Ave. Upon arrival, officers located a male in the driveway of a residence near the 3100 block of W. 98th Street who had suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen. That male, identified as Franklin Pumphrey, 53, was later pronounced at MetroHealth Hospital. Cortez Taylor was later identified as a suspect in this deadly incident, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Today, members of the NOVFTF arrested Taylor at an address in the 3700 block of E. 139th Street, Cleveland, OH. As task force members approached the residence, Taylor attempted to flee on foot but was quickly placed under arrest. Taylor had a loaded handgun on his person that task force members seized after the arrest.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “It is always a good day for the community when a violent fugitive and a firearm are taken off the street at the same time. I am pleased to announce that this arrest was conducted safely, and no injuries were suffered. When fugitives attempt to flee arresting officers it puts the public, task force officers and the fugitive at risk for injury.”

Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.  Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force – Cleveland Division is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies:  U.S. Marshals Service, Cleveland Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department, Euclid Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Independence Police Department, Parma Police Department, Aurora Police Department, Solon Police Department, Cleveland RTA Police Department, Westlake Police Department, Bedford Police Department, Middleburg Heights Police Department, Newburgh Heights Police Department and the Metrohealth Police Department.