Man pleads to killing pregnant woman in Akron

[Watch previous FOX 8 News coverage in the player above.]

AKRON , Ohio (WJW) — A man pleaded guilty in a 2022 shootout in Akron that killed an innocent pregnant woman who was caught in the crossfire.

Lenier Worthy, 21, of Akron, pleaded guilty on Thursday to two counts each of involuntary manslaughter with a firearm specification and improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle, according to a news release from Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich.

On April 14, 2022, 20-year-old Darrion Rackley, 20-year-old Zyeir Saunders, 17-year-old Antonil Whitaker and 21-year-old Jeremiah Williams parked their car on Rockaway Street in Akron, near where Worthy was hanging out with 19-year-old Jaunte Smith, 21-year-old Jaevaiaire Small and and a 18-year-old woman.

A car carrying 21-year-old Teyaurra Harris pulled up to Worthy and the others and the car’s driver stuck his head out of the window, according to the release.

Rackley, Saunders and Whitaker opened fire, striking the 18-year-old woman twice in the leg. Worthy, Small and Smith, thinking the gunshots were coming from Harris’ car, also started shooting.

Neighbors who called 911 reported hearing dozens of gunshots. At least 30 rounds were fired from three different guns, according to federal authorities.

Harris was struck in the head by a shot through the car’s rear window. She was later declared brain-dead at a hospital. She was six weeks pregnant at the time.

Investigators determined the fatal bullet came from Worthy’s gun, according to the release.

He is due for sentencing on Nov. 22.

“This was a difficult case with an innocent pregnant woman shot and killed because two groups of people used guns to settle a dispute. Summit County is safer with these people locked up,” Kolkovich is quoted in the release.

In June 2023, Saunders was sentenced in this case and a separate case to a combined 35 to 40 years in prison, court records show.

Also that month, Small was sentenced to four years in prison and Smith was sentenced to 2 1/2 years, according to prosecutors.

In December 2023, Rackley was sentenced to 34 to 39 1/2 years in prison, and Williams and Whitaker — the latter of whom was tried as an adult — were each sentenced to 20 to 24 years, according to prosecutors.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.