And here it is....
Back on March 8, 2016, Damon Jamal Gerald Harris, a 24-year-old Black male, was tragically shot and killed in a parking lot on Copley Road in Akron, OH. Many of us have followed the case over the years with frustration as leads dried up and no arrests were made. Damon, known as “DJ” to those close to him, was shot once in the back and later died at Akron General. His death left his family and friends grieving and searching for answers that never seemed to come.
Fast forward to this year – there’s finally been a break. Rondell Harris, a 36-year-old man from East Cleveland, who was already incarcerated for an unrelated and brutal crime, confessed to Damon’s murder. Yes, confessed. Apparently, he wrote multiple letters to judges, prosecutors, and even the Akron Police, detailing the crime – things that only the killer would know.
Here’s what investigators pieced together: Rondell had originally gone to a barbershop on Copley Road with the intent to rob someone. When he saw Damon outside, he shifted his focus, called him over to his car, pulled a shotgun on him, and tried to rob him. When Damon ran, Rondell shot him in the back. Cold and calculated.
He pleaded guilty mid-trial on June 25, 2025, to murder, aggravated robbery, and weapons charges – all with gun specs. His sentencing is scheduled for June 30.
It’s important to note: Rondell Harris was already serving time after pleading guilty in 2023 to rape and kidnapping charges involving a Mahoning County Sheriff’s deputy. He’s now officially a Tier Three sex offender and a known violent offender. That case alone got him 26–31.5 years.
This brings a bittersweet sense of closure to Damon’s loved ones. They waited nine long years for this moment. While no justice can bring Damon back, his family can finally see someone held accountable.
I’ll be keeping an eye on the sentencing later this week. Let me know if anyone here had been following the case or has additional info.
I am so glad! Thank you so much for this update. I will keep an eye on it too.