Damarcus Hartwell, a 38-year-old African American man from Akron, OH, tragically lost his life on December 31, 2022. He was shot once in the torso and also sustained a graze wound to his thigh during a New Year's Eve shooting in Akron's Kenmore neighborhood. Hartwell was taken to Cleveland Clinic Akron General, where he was pronounced dead.
The incident occurred inside a home on Louisiana Avenue, where Hartwell was hosting a New Year's Eve party.
Detectives reviewed doorbell camera video and footage from Flock cameras to investigate the crime. The investigation led to the arrest of four individuals: 18-year-old Cameron Jones, 20-year-old Nino Jennings, 19-year-old Layveire Belton, and 19-year-old Makhi Anderson-Clay.
Cameron Jones was found guilty of murder, aggravated robbery, robbery, and felonious assault, all with a firearm specification. He was sentenced to life in prison, with eligibility for parole after 21 years. Jennings and Belton each received sentences of 14 to 20.5 years for aggravated robbery with a firearm specification, while Anderson-Clay received a sentence of 6 to 9 years for aggravated robbery.
The tragic death of Damarcus Hartwell and the subsequent legal proceedings highlight the severe consequences of violent crime and the efforts of law enforcement to bring justice to victims and their families.
