Cody J. Czerpak, a 22-year-old male of Caucasian ethnicity from Akron, Ohio, tragically passed away on August 19, 2018. Cody was the proud owner of his own landscaping company and an avid motorcycle rider who cherished spending time with his children. His sudden death was a result of a shooting incident at his grandfather's home in Akron's Summit Lake neighborhood.
The incident occurred just before 11 p.m.
on August 19, 2018, when Cody went into his grandfather Dann Schaffer's room to bring him food. Schaffer, who was intoxicated at the time, grabbed his shotgun and accidentally shot Cody, mistaking him for an intruder due to recent break-ins in the area. Cody was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dann Schaffer, aged 62, was arrested and initially charged with murder. However, he later pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of involuntary manslaughter with a gun specification. In February 2019, Schaffer was sentenced to six years in prison, the minimum possible sentence. The sentencing was a contentious issue, with Cody's family expressing disappointment over the leniency of the sentence.
The tragic death of Cody J. Czerpak deeply affected his family and friends, who continue to remember him fondly. Cody's girlfriend, Briana Long, and their two young children were particularly impacted by the loss. The family has sought to find solace in the memories of Cody and the love he shared with those around him.
Cody's death has also highlighted the importance of addressing issues related to alcohol abuse and the need for better support systems for families dealing with such traumatic events. The community continues to honor Cody's memory and support his loved ones as they navigate the difficult journey of healing and justice.
