Isiah Joseph Helms, a 22-year-old African American male from Youngstown, Ohio, tragically lost his life on January 30, 2022. Known affectionately as "Zai," Isiah was born on September 1, 1999, and was a beloved member of his community. He was a 2019 graduate of Urban Scholars and participated in JROTC throughout his high school years. Isiah was also an active member of We Walk By Faith Baptist Church and enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews, building things, and making TikToks in
his spare time.
Isiah's death was the result of a shooting incident that occurred at a house on Lilburn Avenue on the East Side of Youngstown. His body was discovered on February 2, 2022, at Mount Hope Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, after he had been reported missing. The Mahoning County Coroner’s Office determined that Isiah died from gunshot wounds.
The investigation into Isiah's death led to the arrest of Jamiyah M. Brooks, 20, who was charged with voluntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence. Brooks pleaded guilty to these charges and was sentenced to 17 to 22.5 years in prison. Another individual, Nathaniel Austin Jr., 35, was also implicated in the case and pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence, receiving a three-year prison sentence.
Isiah's mother, Rosalyn Helms, gave a heartfelt victim impact statement during the sentencing hearing, expressing her grief and forgiveness towards Brooks. She mentioned that this was the second son she had lost to gun violence, as her other son, Jamie M. Helms-Crum, was shot and killed in 2006.
The loss of Isiah Joseph Helms has deeply affected his family and community, leaving a void that can never be filled. His memory lives on through the love and stories shared by those who knew him.
