5 Heartbreaking Facts About José Ervin, Jr.: The Doting Dad Who Shared A Birthday With His Twins

The story of José Ervin, Jr., an Ohio father, captured the hearts of the nation in 2023. It was a beautiful, almost unbelievable, statistical miracle: a husband and wife who already shared the same birthday, August 18, welcomed a set of twins on that exact same day. This extraordinary event turned the Ervin family into a viral sensation, a symbol of cosmic alignment and perfect family joy. Now, in December 2025, that same story is marked by profound tragedy and an ongoing quest for justice, following a senseless act of gun violence that cut José Ervin, Jr.'s life short.

This article provides a deep, updated look into the life of the "doting dad," the miraculous event that brought him national attention, and the devastating circumstances surrounding his untimely death, ensuring his legacy as a loving husband and father is not forgotten. The recent updates, including the arrest of a suspect and the family's continuing grief, serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the strength of a grieving community.

José Ervin, Jr.: A Life Profile and Miracle Family

José Ervin, Jr.'s life, though tragically brief, was defined by his love for his growing family and the joy he found in being a father. His story became a global phenomenon because of an astronomical coincidence that seemed to bless his family with a unique bond.

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• Full Name: José Ervin, Jr.
• Date of Birth: August 18, 1992
• Date of Death: October 4, 2024
• Age at Death: 32
• Hometown/Residence: Cleveland, Ohio / Garfield Heights, Ohio
• Spouse: Scierra Blair (Shares the same birthday, August 18)
• Children: Twins A'ria Ervin and José Ervin III (Born August 18, 2023), and an unborn child at the time of his death.
• Education: Graduated from college in February 2024.
• Defining Quote: Upon the birth of his twins, he described the event as “the best birthday gift ever,” emphasizing his belief that it was a blessing.
• Siblings: Sister Chloe' Ervin-Dozier, who has become a spokesperson for the family.

The probability of two parents sharing a birthday is already rare, estimated at about 1 in 133,000. For their twin children to be born on that exact same day is a statistical anomaly so great it earned the family features on major news outlets and cemented their status as a "viral couple." This miracle family's shared birthday was August 18, a date that will forever hold both immense joy and profound sorrow for Scierra and the children.

The Shared Birthday Miracle: A Story of Cosmic Alignment

The moment José Ervin, Jr. and his wife, Scierra Blair, realized their twin babies would arrive on their shared birthday was a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. The twins, A'ria and José Ervin III, were born on August 18, 2023. This extraordinary alignment turned a simple family event into an international news story, with the family photo becoming instantly recognizable.

José Ervin, Jr. was vocal about the significance of the date. He repeatedly called the birth of his children on his own birthday "the best birthday gift ever," a sentiment that highlighted his deep love and dedication to his role as a father. This event was more than just a coincidence; for José, it was a spiritual affirmation, a sign that his family was truly blessed. The family’s story resonated with millions because it was a perfect, heartwarming narrative of fate and family, a powerful counterpoint to the often-negative news cycle.

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This period of their life, from the birth of the twins to José's college graduation in February 2024, was one of triumph and growth. The images of him holding his twins, A'ria and José III, after his graduation ceremony underscore his commitment to building a better future for his family, demonstrating his character as a dedicated partner and a forward-thinking father.

The Tragic End: Gun Violence in Garfield Heights, Ohio

The joy of the shared birthday miracle was shattered by a devastating act of gun violence in the fall of 2024. On October 4, 2024, José Ervin, Jr. was tragically shot multiple times while at a Dunkin' Donuts location on Turney Road in Garfield Heights, Ohio. The senseless killing of the 32-year-old father sent shockwaves through the local Cleveland community and the wider audience who had followed his family's heartwarming story.

According to reports, José was shot in the "head, trunk and right upper extremity," confirming the brutality of the attack. The news of his death was confirmed by his sister, Chloe' Ervin-Dozier, who immediately began advocating for justice for her brother. The location of the shooting—a public place like a coffee shop—only amplified the shock and fear within the Garfield Heights area, highlighting the ongoing issue of gun violence in urban areas.

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The emotional toll on the Ervin family was immense. Scierra Blair, his wife, was pregnant at the time of the shooting, meaning José Ervin, Jr. was taken from his wife, his one-year-old twins, and a child he would never meet. The family's GoFundMe campaign, set up to support Scierra and the children, poignantly described the "Tragedy of Viral Couple," turning their viral fame into a call for community support during their darkest hour.

The Family’s Fight for Justice and Legacy

In the wake of the tragedy, José Ervin, Jr.'s family has channeled their grief into a powerful movement for justice. The pursuit of the killer became a central focus for the Cleveland community. The family's pain was publicly shared, with emotional pleas from his wife and sister urging the suspect to turn themselves in.

Fortunately, the pursuit of justice saw a significant breakthrough. Authorities announced that a suspect had been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting, providing a measure of closure for the family, though the legal process continues. The family, however, has ensured that the memory of José Ervin, Jr. transcends the tragic circumstances of his death.

In the year following his death, his loved ones have continued to honor him. They held a balloon release and even put up a billboard in the Cleveland area, ensuring that his name and the call for justice remain visible to the community. These acts serve as a testament to his character as a "doting dad" and a beloved member of the Lee-Seville Baptist Church community, where the family was often seen.

The legacy of José Ervin, Jr. is a complex tapestry of joy and sorrow. It is a story that began with a beautiful, shared birthday miracle, a symbol of perfect family harmony, and one that continues with the resilience of a wife and children determined to honor the memory of the man who called them his "best birthday gift." The ongoing support for the Ervin family—Scierra, A'ria, José III, and their youngest child—is a reminder that even in the face of senseless tragedy, the love and memory of a good man can endure.