Justin Walker, a 34-year-old man from Akron, Ohio, tragically lost his life on July 28, 2020. Walker was found shot dead inside a burning home located at 1097 Brown Street in Akron. The Akron Fire Department responded to the house fire and discovered Walker's body along with that of 47-year-old Melinda Pointer. The Summit County Medical Examiner determined that both victims were shot before the fire was set.
The investigation into Walker's death led to the arrest of several individuals.
Steven J. Hayes, 20, was charged with two counts of aggravated murder and was found to have admitted to shooting Walker and Pointer. Kianna Buckley, 42, was charged with complicity to commit aggravated murder and conspiracy to commit aggravated murder. Dylan Brown, 20, was also implicated and charged with complicity to commit aggravated murder and conspiracy to commit aggravated murder. Additionally, Gia Hernandez and Robert Boyer were connected to the case, though their trial dates have not yet been scheduled.
In December 2021, Dylan Brown was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 18 years. Kianna Buckley pled guilty to burglary and grand theft in connection with the case and received three years of community control and six months of house arrest. Steven Hayes was scheduled to go on trial for the murders of Walker and Pointer in June 2022.
The loss of Justin Walker has deeply affected his family and friends, who remember him as a loving and caring individual. The community continues to seek justice for Walker and Pointer, hoping that the legal proceedings will bring closure to their loved ones.
