Cleveland, Ohio: A Cleveland father who tried to protect his 12-year-old son during a neighborhood fight was beaten, run over by a car, and killed in a violent attack that has left his family devastated.
Now, more than a year after the incident, the two people responsible have learned their fate in court.
According to authorities, 37-year-old Norman Duncan died after being attacked by Marvin Atkins and Ann Marie Clayton during an altercation involving their children on April 14, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Investigators said the confrontation began when two 12-year-old boys got into a fight in a neighborhood. One of the boys was Duncan’s son, while the other was the son of Atkins and Clayton.
Police said the situation escalated when Atkins and Clayton allegedly restrained Duncan’s son during the dispute. Duncan stepped in to protect his child, leading to a violent confrontation between the adults.
During the attack, Clayton allegedly struck Duncan in the head with a brick. Despite the injuries, Duncan and his son managed to get away from the scene and began walking away.
Authorities said the couple then got into a Chevy Impala, drove toward Duncan, jumped a curb, and intentionally ran him over.
As the suspects fled, Duncan’s 12-year-old son called 911 for help.
Emergency crews rushed Duncan to a hospital, but he later died from his injuries.
Following the deadly incident, Atkins and Clayton reportedly avoided arrest for nine days before officers located them at a home in another area of Cleveland.
Both suspects were initially charged with aggravated murder, murder, attempted murder, and multiple counts of felonious assault.
Court records show that on May 14, both defendants pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter as part of a plea agreement.
During sentencing this week, Atkins received a prison sentence of 15 to 20½ years. Clayton was sentenced to three years in prison.
Both defendants addressed the court and apologized to Duncan’s family.
Clayton said she wished she could “rewind the hands of time” and prevent the tragedy from happening. Atkins also expressed remorse, telling the court he never intended to kill Duncan.
The case has drawn strong reactions in the community, especially because the deadly violence unfolded in front of a child.
Family members described Duncan as a loving father of five who lost his life while trying to defend his son during a frightening and chaotic situation.
Officials have not indicated whether any additional legal action is expected in the case.
