Twyla Pettiford, a 52-year-old Black woman from Akron, Ohio, tragically lost her life on June 17, 2020. She was found shot inside her home on Manchester Road by police who responded to a welfare check after she didn't show up for work. Pettiford, a loving mother of three sons and a grandmother, was employed at Summa Barberton Citizens Hospital at the time of her death.
The investigation revealed that Chester "Billy" Walker, Pettiford's boyfriend and the father of two of her sons, was
identified as the suspect in her murder. Walker, who was 53 years old, was believed to have shot Pettiford before taking his own life in Santa Monica, California, a week later. The case was treated as a domestic incident, and Walker was described as armed and dangerous by the Akron Police Department.
In the aftermath of Pettiford's death, her son DiMichael Pettiford filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Walker's estate, seeking damages for the loss of his mother's companionship, care, and financial support. The lawsuit also cited mental anguish and funeral expenses incurred by the family. The case was assigned to Judge Alison Breaux in Summit County Common Pleas Court.
The tragic loss of Twyla Pettiford was part of a year that saw a record number of murders in Akron, with 50 homicides reported in 2020. Her family and friends remember her as a sassy, classy Black Queen with a heart of gold, who loved her family and friends unconditionally.
: Akron woman's son sues estate of man accused of killing her
: 52-year-old woman found shot, killed inside Akron home
: Twyla Pettiford Obituary
