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Cleveland Police: Kitchen fight leads to fatal stabbing of 23-year-old man

27-year-old Jeremy Calloway and Omar Calloway,24, were both arrested in connection with the stabbing death of 23 year old Michael Reese Jr.

The Cleveland Police Department is investigating the fatal stabbing of a 23-year-old man, Saturday evening. 

Officials responded to Academy Tavern located at 12800 Larchmere Avenue around 8:30 p.m. and found the victim bleeding. 

According to reports, the victim and two men were involved in a verbal altercation that became physical, while working inside the restaurant's kitchen. During the altercation, the victim identified by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner as Michael Reese Jr. was stabbed to death. . 

27-year-old Jeremy Calloway and Omar Calloway,24, were both arrested in connection with the stabbing. Both men were treated at University Hospital for lacerations. Charges have yet to be announced.

Michael's sister, Tashae Reese, says the fight that led to his death started because Omar, who is a dishwasher at Academy Tavern, was burned by a hot pan. She says his brother Jeremy fought Michael as he tried to standup for Omar.

"Some things are not understandable. This, I do not understand," Reese said. "That was not a reason for you to stab my brother and kill him."

The family says Michael was a cook at the bar for about three years. Michael's mom Pamela Woodall says he loved his job. She says he was sick the day he died and she urged him not to go to work. 

"I told him to stay home [and] he said 'mom I have to go take care of my kitchen. I have to go to work and make sure my kitchen is okay'...I just wish he would've stayed home. I wish he would've stayed home."

Woodall describes him as a young man, who had a passion for cooking and music. She says he would have never started the fight because she says he was a good kid, who "wouldn't hurt a fly".

At a vigil, family and friends paid tribute to Michael outside of the bar, where he was killed. Dozens of people showed up as candles, flowers, balloons and messages of "R.I.H Mike" were around the building. 

"Today, I stand here minus a son because of something that didn't even have to be," Woodall said.

Michael's mother thanked the community for their support during this difficult time. She asks for prayers as she tries to understand the devastating loss.

"This is the most senseless thing that I have ever witnessed in my life," she said. "This is a hard pill to chew."

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