4 die in weekend shootings in Akron, Springfield Twp. — including 2 at Halloween parties
By Anthony Thompson, Akron Beacon Journal,
2 days ago
A spate of weekend shootings in the area — including violence at Halloween celebrations — left four people dead and least two wounded, Akron and Springfield Township police said.
The Summit County Medical Examiner's Office released the identities of two of the homicide victims Monday. The other two victims will reportedly be identified after family notifications and pending an investigation.
25-year-old East Akron shooting victim identified
Neiko Swesey, a 25-year-old-male, was fatally shot inside his East Akron apartment Friday night, authorities said.
Akron police arrived in the 1100 block of Keys Place after hearing reports of a shooting at about 10:25 p.m. Swesey was found in a nearby apartment.
Officers searched the area and found two bullets struck two unoccupied vehicles and an apartment building. A 20-year-old woman was arrested and charged with obstructing and misconduct at an emergency after authorities said she interfered with first responders and medical personnel.
Ellis attended the party in the 100 block of Paris Avenue; that where Akron police discovered that she had been shot around 10:46 p.m. She was transported to Cleveland Clinic Akron General, where she was later pronounced dead.
A 16-year-old male and a 17-year-old female were also shot, but authorities said their wounds were not life-threatening.
Police officers apprehended an 18-year-old man after a brief foot chase and recovered a handgun that was discarded while he was fleeing authorities. The man was later charged with carrying a concealed weapon and obstructing official business.
Police are still trying to determine of the man played a role in Ellis' death.
Springfield shooting victim not yet identified
Springfield Township police and the medical examiner's office are investigating the death of a 39-year-old man who attended a Halloween party in Springfield Township on Sunday.
Officers responded to shooting reports shortly after midnight in the 1400 block of Canton Road, where the man was found with an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to Summa Akron City Hospital, where he later died.
Another person was hospitalized after being assaulted during the Canton Road party, authorities said.
Authorities investigating fourth homicide discovered late Sunday
Akron police are also investigating the shooting death of a 44-year-old woman found in the Summit Lake area late Sunday night.
Officers originally responded to reports of an unknown emergency in the 300 block of East South Street at about 11:52 p.m. Officers performed CPR on the woman after finding her unconscious body with apparent gunshot wounds, and she was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:20 a.m. Monday.
After investigating the area, officers discovered shell casings nearby and found a parked car had been struck at least once.
Detectives are working to determine the exact circumstances around the woman's death, as well as identify the shooter.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip. Anonymous tips can also be provided to the Summit County Crimestoppers by calling 330-434-COPS or texting TIPSCO with your tips to 274637.
Reporters Bryce Buyakie and April Helms contributed to this article.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com, or on Twitter @athompsonABJ
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