Jamaar J. Stevens, a 28-year-old African American man from Akron, Ohio, tragically lost his life on March 13, 2021. He was found lying in the street with multiple gunshot wounds at the intersection of Trigonia Drive and South Rhodes Avenue. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, Stevens succumbed to his injuries.
Following the incident, an investigation was launched by the Akron Police Department.
Detectives determined that Stevens was shot after a fight with an unknown individual who fled the scene in a silver SUV. The police issued a call for information, urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward.
In the course of the investigation, Tavien Carter, a 27-year-old man from Akron, was arrested and charged with the fatal shooting of Stevens. Carter faced charges of aggravated murder and murder. However, he later pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter with a three-year gun specification. In January 2023, Carter was sentenced to 13 to 18 years in prison for his role in Stevens' death. Additionally, Carter was convicted of aggravated robbery and grand theft of a motor vehicle in an unrelated incident and received a concurrent sentence of 13 to 18 years for those charges.
The case brought significant attention to the issue of gun violence in Akron and highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing such crimes. The community mourned the loss of Stevens, remembering him as a beloved individual who left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
