Latajah Leatherwood, a 28-year-old African American woman from Akron, OH, tragically lost her life on May 17, 2022. She was a passenger in a vehicle traveling on East Avenue when a suspect in another vehicle opened fire. Leatherwood was shot in the head and later pronounced dead at an Akron hospital. Authorities believe she was an innocent bystander and not the intended target.
Despite extensive investigations by the Akron Police Department and the Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office, no suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting. The police have appealed to the public for help in identifying the suspect vehicle and its occupants. Several homes in the neighborhood have surveillance cameras that may have captured the incident, and the police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Latajah Leatherwood’s mother, Carla Gibbs, has been vocal about seeking justice for her daughter. She described the incident as a "nonsense crime" and emphasized that her daughter was an innocent bystander. The Akron Police Department has also offered a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of the shooter.
The case remains open, and the police continue to investigate, hoping to bring those responsible to justice. Leatherwood’s family and friends are deeply affected by her loss and are desperate for answers. They believe that justice will eventually be served and are urging the community to assist in any way they can.
Latajah Leatherwood’s legacy lives on through her daughter and the lives she saved as an organ donor. Her organs were donated and helped save the lives of two women, providing some comfort to her grieving family.
