Nykayla Lehman, a 20-year-old woman from Akron, Ohio, tragically lost her life on July 18, 2021. She was fatally shot at a home on Thornton Street in Akron. The incident occurred during a gathering at the residence, where Lehman had briefly left and then returned. Upon knocking on the back door, DeAngelo Preston, who was present at the party, picked up a gun and shot through the door, striking Lehman.
Preston then shot himself in the face, suffering significant injuries.
Following the shooting, Preston was charged with murder, felonious assault, and reckless homicide. He pleaded not guilty to the charges during a video arraignment in Summit County Common Pleas Court. The court proceedings revealed that Preston was conscious and breathing when officers arrived and admitted to shooting himself before being taken to the hospital. The case drew significant attention, and Preston was eventually found guilty of the charges related to Lehman's death.
In August 2023, DeAngelo Preston was sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 21 years. The sentencing was a result of a jury trial that found Preston guilty of murder and other charges. The court determined that Preston acted "purposely, knowingly, and recklessly" when he shot through the door. The family of Nykayla Lehman expressed their grief and hoped that Preston would spend the rest of his life in prison.
The tragic death of Nykayla Lehman and the subsequent legal proceedings have left a lasting impact on her family and the community in Akron. The case highlights the devastating consequences of gun violence and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.
