Janine Lyn Surgen, a 20-year-old woman from Akron, Ohio, tragically lost her life on July 3, 2020. Janine, known affectionately as "NiNi" or "Bean," was a free-spirited and artistic individual who enjoyed painting, sketching, and music. She was deeply loved by her family and friends, and her passing left a significant void in their lives.
The circumstances surrounding Janine's death were particularly harrowing. She was fatally shot while walking along 27th Street Southwest near West Waterloo Road in Akron. The shooting was captured on a nearby home security camera, which provided crucial evidence for the investigation. Approximately 15 minutes after the shooting, Akron police officers pulled over a car driven by Jaleel Sojourner, who was found to be connected to the incident.
Further investigation revealed that Calvin Thompson, who was 16 years old at the time, was the one who shot Janine. Thompson was later sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 23 years. Jaleel Sojourner, who was 28 years old at the time of the incident, was also implicated in the crime. Sojourner pled guilty to aggravated murder with a gun specification and received a life sentence with eligibility for parole after 18 years.
The third person involved in the incident, a 17-year-old who was in the car with Sojourner and Thompson, admitted to a charge of Having a Weapon Under Disability in Summit County Juvenile Court. This individual has not yet been sentenced.
The tragic death of Janine Surgen has led to significant legal proceedings and has deeply affected her family and the community. The case has drawn attention to issues of gun violence and the impact it has on young lives. The family has expressed their grief and has sought justice for Janine, hoping that her memory will lead to positive changes in the community.
Janine's legacy lives on through the love and memories shared by those who knew her. Her family has requested donations to support young women at risk in her memory, reflecting Janine's caring and giving nature.
