Valarcia Blair, a 19-year-old African American woman from Youngstown, Ohio, tragically lost her life on November 7, 2018. She was killed alongside her boyfriend, Edward Morris, and their 3-month-old son, Tariq Morris, in a drive-by shooting. The incident occurred when Blair and Morris were in Morris' car at Gibson Street and Pasadena Avenue. Morris managed to fire a single round from his .45-caliber handgun before succumbing to his injuries, while Blair and their son were fatally shot.
The investigation into Valarcia Blair's death led to the arrest and indictment of two men, Shaiquon Sharpe and Taquashon Ray. Both men were charged with multiple counts, including aggravated murder. The case took months to piece together, with police relying on ballistic evidence and digital evidence to build their case. The trial revealed that Morris had arranged to meet with Sharpe and Ray, and it was believed that Morris was involved in a feud with one of the suspects.
During the trial, Elizabeth Green, Valarcia Blair's mother, testified that she had warned her daughter not to go with Morris due to concerns about his involvement in illegal activities. Despite her warnings, Blair chose to go with Morris, leading to the tragic outcome. The court heard that Sharpe and Ray planned and executed the killing, and both men were found guilty of the murders.
The loss of Valarcia Blair, a young mother and daughter, deeply affected her family and community. Her brother, Valar Blair Jr., honored her memory by graduating as valedictorian from Chaney High School and pursuing a degree in engineering at Youngstown State University. The family continues to seek justice and hopes that the cycle of violence in their community can be broken.
The case remains a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence and the importance of community efforts to prevent such tragedies in the future.
