Craig L. Blackshear, a 45-year-old Canton, OH resident, was tragically shot and killed on July 7, 2022, around 10:20 p.m. on the porch of a home in the 1800 block of Fourth Street NW. He was found with multiple gunshot wounds to his torso and legs and was later pronounced dead at Aultman Hospital. The investigation revealed that Blackshear was shot by a 15-year-old boy, who was allegedly aided by Megan R.
Coladonato, a 36-year-old woman from Canton and East Sparta.
Coladonato was accused of instigating an argument with Blackshear, which led to the teenager shooting him multiple times. Both Coladonato and the juvenile suspect were arrested about a week after the incident. Coladonato faced charges of complicity to murder, while the teenager was charged with murder. Under Ohio law, the juvenile was initially charged as a minor but could be tried as an adult, pending a discretionary ruling by a juvenile court judge.
In February 2023, Megan R. Coladonato pleaded guilty to two felony counts of obstructing justice and tampering with evidence related to Blackshear's death. She was sentenced to 18 months in prison by Stark County Common Pleas Judge Taryn Heath. The case against the juvenile suspect is still ongoing, with a motion to bind him over to common pleas court filed, and a ruling expected soon.
The Canton Police Department continues to investigate the case, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Canton Police Detective Bureau. A candlelight vigil was held by family and community members on July 11, 2022, to honor Blackshear's memory. His sister, Carlynn Scott, described him as friendly, always laughing and smiling, and expressed hope that justice would be served.
The tragic death of Craig L. Blackshear has left a lasting impact on his family and the community, and the ongoing legal proceedings aim to bring closure and justice for his loved ones.
