On November 21, 2021, 14-year-old Landon Lockhart from Youngstown, Ohio, tragically lost his life. Landon was the youngest of four children and was considered the foundation of his family. His body was discovered on January 13, 2022, in a wooded area on the East Side of Youngstown.
The investigation into Landon's death revealed that he was last seen with three 17-year-old boys, referred to as Defendant 1, Defendant 2, and Defendant 3.
On the night of his death, Landon and Defendant 1 left a relative's house together and went to Avondale Avenue. Shortly after, Landon sent a text message to a witness, indicating he was being taken to Dale Avenue. This was the last communication anyone had with him.
Witnesses testified that Landon and the three defendants were together in a small black car and later drove to the East Side of Youngstown. They pulled into a driveway, and Landon, Defendant 1, and Defendant 2 exited the car and walked around the corner. Shortly after, gunshots were heard, and Defendant 1 and Defendant 2 returned to the car without Landon, both carrying guns.
Three 17-year-old boys were charged with aggravated murder in connection with Landon's death. Defendant 3, Elijah Carlisle, admitted to involuntary manslaughter with a gun specification and agreed to testify against the other defendants in exchange for a plea deal. The other two defendants, Anjuan Whitfield and Anthony Wilkins Jr., accepted a plea agreement and were sentenced to 17 to 22 1/2 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter.
The court proceedings revealed that the defendants were involved in a car theft ring and had been at a party the night of Landon's murder. The judge noted the breakdowns in the home and school systems as contributing factors to the high number of homicides involving teens in Youngstown.
Landon's family has been vocal about their grief and the impact of his loss on their lives. They continue to advocate for justice and hope that the defendants will one day understand the pain they have caused.
