Marquis Antwan Sams, a 23-year-old male of African American ethnicity, tragically lost his life on July 18, 2021, in Akron, Ohio. He was fatally shot at Hawkins Plaza, a shopping center on South Hawkins Avenue, during a large gathering that involved drag racing and reckless driving. Sams was transported to Akron General Medical Center but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
The incident occurred around 9 p.m., and a 17-year-old boy who was also shot was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Akron police launched an investigation into the shooting, but as of the following morning, no arrests had been made. The police believe that one or more individuals fired multiple shots, causing injuries to Sams and the 17-year-old. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward.
The second shooting incident took place just before midnight on the same night in the 400 block of West Thornton Street, where 20-year-old Nykayla Lehman was found dead on her back porch. A 21-year-old man with a self-inflicted gunshot wound was also discovered at the scene. The man was conscious and breathing when found and later admitted to shooting himself. Firearms and other evidence were collected from the scene, and the investigation is still pending.
These shootings marked the second and third homicides in Akron within a short span of time, with the city already experiencing a significant increase in homicides compared to the previous year. The community and law enforcement continue to seek justice for Marquis Antwan Sams and Nykayla Lehman, hoping to bring closure to their families and friends.
