Kei'Juan M. Harrison, a 23-year-old Black male from Akron, Ohio, was fatally shot on October 15, 2020. He was walking near Florida Avenue and 6th Street in the Kenmore neighborhood when he was shot. Harrison was found by authorities on 5th Street SW and was later transported to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The Akron Police Department stated that the investigation was in its early stages and there were no suspects at the time.
In December 2024, two Akron men,
Deshawn Coleman and Eric Farrey, were sentenced for their roles in Harrison's death. Coleman, 21, pleaded guilty to murder with a firearm specification and was sentenced to life in prison with possible parole after 18 years. Farrey, 24, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and received a sentence of 16 to 21.5 years in prison. The incident occurred after Harrison left a cellphone store, and Coleman shot him in the chest when Harrison refused to hand over money.
The case against Coleman and Farrey involved witness statements, DNA evidence, video surveillance, and ballistics comparison technology. Both men were arrested by U.S. Marshals in separate locations in Akron, and their cases were moved to adult court despite Coleman being under 18 at the time of the crime. The sentences handed down were intended to make the streets of Summit County safer and hold the individuals accountable for their actions.
Kei'Juan Harrison was remembered fondly by his family and friends as someone who enjoyed drawing, singing, dancing, and making everyone around him laugh. His tragic death left a significant impact on his loved ones and the community.
