Jamarrick Keyshawn Valentine, a 21-year-old aspiring police officer from Akron, Ohio, tragically lost his life on June 11, 2019. Valentine was born on February 25, 1998, and was known for his dedication to helping others and his dream of becoming a police officer. He had passed the written portion of his exam to become an Akron police officer, ranking 16th out of nearly 800 applicants.
On the day of his death, Valentine intervened in a fight between two men over a girlfriend near the
University of Akron campus. He was shot while trying to break up the altercation. Within minutes of the shooting, 30-year-old De'Jon Cash was taken into custody without incident in a nearby parking lot. Cash was charged with carrying a concealed weapon and was booked into the Summit County Jail. The incident was described as stemming from a domestic dispute, with no drugs or underlying crimes involved.
Valentine's family and fiancée, Kahlia Ewing, were left to mourn his loss and plan his funeral. Valentine had a 5-month-old daughter, Santana Marlee Valentine, who was left without a father. His family described him as funny, strong, and brave, and they remembered him for his dedication to his dreams and his love for his daughter.
The investigation into Valentine's death continued, with authorities considering additional charges against Cash. Valentine's family and friends sought justice for his death, but they acknowledged that no amount of justice could bring him back. The community rallied around the family, offering support and raising funds to help cover the costs of his funeral.
Valentine's death was a tragic loss for his family, friends, and the community, who remembered him as a young man with a bright future and a passion for helping others.
