Antwaine Darnell Bethune, a 37-year-old African American man from Akron, Ohio, tragically lost his life on February 23, 2021. Bethune was fatally shot in the afternoon at the 1000 block of Vernon Odom Boulevard. Responding officers found him on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds and pronounced him dead at the scene. The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed that Bethune died of multiple gunshot wounds and ruled his death a homicide.
The investigation led to the
arrest of Osiris Khalfani, a 20-year-old man from Columbus, Ohio. Khalfani was charged with murder in connection with Bethune's death. According to police reports, Khalfani approached Bethune and fired multiple shots before fleeing the scene. Khalfani was later apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Service and members of the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force and the Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team at a residence in Columbus. During the arrest, officers seized rifle ammunition magazines, marijuana, and approximately $10,000 in cash from Khalfani's home.
In April 2022, Khalfani was sentenced to life in prison for the aggravated murder of Bethune. The court found that Khalfani had been paid $10,000 to carry out the killing. Khalfani must serve 28 years of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole. The case highlighted the tragic loss of a beloved community member and the swift actions of law enforcement to bring the perpetrator to justice.
Bethune's family and friends have expressed deep sorrow over his loss and have shared heartfelt memories of him. His daughter, Jaelyn, has been particularly affected by his death, often speaking to the sky and saying she loves and misses her father. The community continues to remember and honor Bethune's memory, hoping for justice and peace for his loved ones.
