On July 8, 2022, 4-year-old Journei Ny'Kole Elizabeth Tolbert, a vibrant and lively girl from Akron, Ohio, tragically lost her life in a shooting incident. Journei was attending a vigil on Princeton Street near Downtown Akron when shots were fired into the crowd, resulting in her death and that of 40-year-old Johnny Gaiter. The crowd had gathered to honor a teen who was killed in 2021.
Police reported that a total of 34 bullets were fired from three different guns during the incident.
The Akron Police Department has been actively investigating the case but has yet to make any arrests. They released photos of a dark-colored SUV, believed to be involved in the shooting, and urged the public to come forward with any information. Despite their efforts, the case remains unsolved, and the family continues to seek justice for Journei.
Detectives have linked the gun used in Journei's murder to a separate shooting that occurred nine days earlier on Talbot Avenue. The ongoing investigation has revealed that the shootings may be part of an ongoing feud between two groups in North and West Akron. The police have identified the owner of the vehicle seen at both crime scenes, but no charges have been filed as the investigation continues.
The community and Journei's family have been vocal about their frustration and heartbreak over the lack of progress in the case. Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett has repeatedly urged the public to come forward with any information that could help solve the case. The family remembers Journei as a bubbly, dancing girl who loved lip gloss, TikTok, and the color pink.
As of now, the investigation is still ongoing, and the Akron Police Department continues to seek justice for Journei and Johnny Gaiter. The family and the community remain hopeful that someone will come forward with the information needed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
