Nathaniel M. Stokes, a 21-year-old man from Canton, OH, tragically died on August 20, 2019, from a gunshot wound. He was found in the 1200 block of Nelson Place NE, and despite immediate medical attention at Aultman Hospital, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. when police received a shots-fired alert at Ninth Street and Rowland Avenue NE.
The investigation into Stokes' death led to the arrest of Na'Quann Ware, a 16-year-old from Akron.
Ware was charged with murder, felonious assault, and improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle. The case was moved from juvenile court to adult court due to the seriousness of the offense and Ware's age. During the trial, Ware's defense argued self-defense, claiming it was a "do-or-die situation". However, the Stark County Prosecutor's Office contended that Ware fired shots into the residence where Stokes was located.
In a surprising turn of events, Stark County jurors acquitted Na'Quann Ware of all charges related to Stokes' death. The jury found that the prosecution failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Ware was not acting in self-defense. This acquittal brought a complex and emotional case to a close, leaving many questions unanswered and the Stokes family seeking justice and closure.
Additionally, five other individuals were charged with obstructing the investigation into Stokes' death. These individuals were accused of lying about key facts, moving Stokes' body, and attempting to clean up the crime scene. Their actions hindered the investigation and complicated the pursuit of justice for Stokes' family.
The tragic death of Nathaniel M. Stokes and the subsequent legal proceedings highlight the complexities and challenges of the criminal justice system. While the acquittal of Na'Quann Ware brought the case to a legal conclusion, it left the Stokes family and the community grappling with the loss and seeking answers.
