Randall Proctor, a 58-year-old man from Akron, OH, was tragically shot and killed on May 8, 2021, while sitting on a park bench in Grace Park. Proctor, who was homeless and staying at the nearby Haven of Rest Ministries, was approached from behind by an unknown assailant who shot him in the head. He was transported to Summa Health Akron City Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Following the incident, the Akron Police Department launched an investigation and identified 25-year-old
Hakim Mitcham as a person of interest. Mitcham, who was later charged with aggravated murder, surrendered to the police a few days after the shooting and confessed to the crime. He was taken into custody and charged with aggravated murder.
In January 2023, Mitcham was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 23 years. The court found him guilty of aggravated murder with a gun specification and tampering with evidence. The case highlighted the vulnerability of homeless individuals to violence and raised concerns among local advocates for the homeless.
The tragic death of Randall Proctor underscored the need for increased safety measures and resources for the homeless community in Akron. The incident also led to a broader discussion about the impact of homelessness and the importance of providing safe housing and support services to those in need.
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