Ajonte Daquan Dardie, a 19-year-old African American male from Cuyahoga Falls, OH, was shot and killed on July 4, 2020, at around 11:30 p.m. during a party he was hosting at the Sheraton Suites hotel on Front Street. The tragic incident occurred amidst multiple parties at the hotel, and police were already responding to other calls at the time. Despite the presence of officers, the shooter was not immediately identified, and the investigation remains open.
In the aftermath of Ajonte's
death, his mother, Tracy Dardie-Clay, has publicly called for an end to the cycle of violence and urged witnesses to come forward to help bring justice for her son. She described Ajonte as a talented and joyful individual who was once an honor roll student, Boy Scout, and ballroom dancer before he became involved with the streets. His mother believes that his environment and the loss of his stepfather in 2016 contributed to his change in behavior.
Cuyahoga Falls police have continued to seek information and have offered a reward for any information leading to an arrest and indictment in the case. The investigation has faced challenges due to the lack of witnesses coming forward, and the police have released 911 call recordings from the incident in hopes of gathering more information. The case remains unresolved, and the family continues to seek closure and justice for Ajonte.
The community and Ajonte's family are still hoping for answers and justice, as the investigation into his death continues nearly four years later.
