Na'Kia Crawford, an 18-year-old African American woman from Akron, Ohio, tragically lost her life on June 14, 2020. She was driving with her grandmother when their car was shot at by an unknown assailant or assailants in a newer-model black car, possibly a Chevrolet Camaro. Crawford was hit by multiple bullets and later succumbed to her injuries at Akron City Hospital.
Her grandmother, who was unharmed, recounted that Crawford's last words were, "I think I got shot".
The Akron Police Department launched an investigation into the incident, which they initially believed to be a case of mistaken identity. They released a photo of the vehicle they believed was involved in the shooting, hoping to gather information from the community. Despite their efforts, no arrests were made immediately following the incident.
In February 2022, Adarus Black was arrested in Georgia by the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, and the Sandy Springs Police Department’s SWAT Team. Black was found with a loaded AK-47 and was living under a false identity. He was charged with Crawford's murder and went on trial later that year.
During the trial, it was revealed that Black and another individual, Jaion Bivins, were seen at a party on the day of the shooting. Bivins, who has since passed away, was believed to be in the car with Black during the incident. Despite the lack of direct evidence such as DNA or fingerprints linking Black to the crime, the jury found him guilty of murder with a gun specification. Black was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 18 years.
The case gained national attention, and the Akron community, along with Crawford's family and friends, have been seeking justice for her untimely death. Crawford, a recent graduate of North High School, had plans to attend Central State University to study computer science. Described as kind, caring, and smart, she was deeply loved by those who knew her.
The tragic loss of Na'Kia Crawford has left a lasting impact on her family, friends, and the entire Akron community, who continue to remember her and seek justice for her death.
