Joshua George Beshore, a 22-year-old man from East Sparta, Ohio, tragically passed away on May 30, 2020. Joshua was born on June 6, 1997, and was known for his kind-hearted nature and willingness to help others. He graduated from Jackson High School in 2015 and worked as a Diesel Mechanic at the Daystar Dealership in Malvern. Joshua is survived by his parents, Rhonda and Jerry Beshore, his sister Rebecca Beshore, and numerous other family members.
On the night of his death, Joshua was found shot in the head in the driveway of a home on Maplehurst Avenue SE in Pike Township. He was discovered around 2:22 a.m., and despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at Aultman Hospital in Canton. The Stark County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
In connection with Joshua's death, Austin Robert Friend, a 22-year-old man from Mineral City, was arrested and charged with murder. The Stark County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, took Friend into custody and he was held at the Stark County Jail. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and authorities have asked anyone with information to come forward.
Joshua's death has deeply affected his family and the community of East Sparta. His obituary describes him as a wonderful man who was loved by many and always willing to lend a hand. The loss of Joshua has left a significant void in the lives of those who knew him.
The Stark County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case and has urged anyone with information to contact them or the Anonymous Crime Tip Line. The circumstances of the shooting remain unclear, and the investigation is focused on uncovering the details of what happened that fateful night.
