John A. Pettiford III, a 34-year-old African American man from Youngstown, OH, was tragically shot and killed on January 2, 2021. He was found inside his car after it crashed into another vehicle at Wirt Street and Delaware Avenue on the North Side of Youngstown. According to Capt. Rod Foley of the Youngstown Police Department, detectives believe Pettiford was shot somewhere else before the crash, but the investigation has not yet yielded any leads.
Pettiford, affectionately known as "Bingo" by his family, was known for his dedication to his two children, whom he visited every day. His mother, LeTricia Jones, described him as a loving father who focused on family and tried to teach his children right from wrong. She has publicly called for an end to violence in the community and urged young people to spend more time with their families instead of engaging in violent activities.
Despite the efforts of the Youngstown Police Department, the case remains unsolved, and no arrests have been made. Jones has expressed frustration with the lack of information from the police and has pleaded for anyone with knowledge about her son's death to come forward. The investigation continues, but as of now, there have been no significant developments in identifying a suspect or motive.
The loss of John A. Pettiford III has left a profound impact on his family and the community, highlighting the ongoing issue of gun violence in Youngstown. His mother's heartfelt plea for peace and family unity serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of such violence.
