Michael Lamont Blackwell, Sr., a 37-year-old African American man from Warren, Ohio, tragically died on October 7, 2017. He was a self-employed mechanic known for his love of fixing cars, playing cards, and spending time with his family. Blackwell was well-liked in his community and had a large family, including his fiancée Eriana Wagner and their two children, Michael Jr.
and My’Kayla Blackwell, as well as his daughter Aubre’Yana Blackwell, and numerous siblings.
Blackwell's death was the result of a shooting that occurred early in the morning on October 7, 2017, in the Trumbull Homes development near Willard PK-8 School. According to reports, Blackwell was in his car when an argument broke out with another driver in a dark blue SUV. The situation escalated, and shots were fired, leading to Blackwell's death. Witnesses reported hearing multiple shots, and police were searching for the SUV and its owner.
Despite the tragic circumstances, Blackwell's attorney, David Engler, emphasized that he was a hardworking and generous individual who supported his large family since he was 13 years old. Engler also noted that Blackwell had a long criminal record, having been booked in the Trumbull County Jail 32 times since 1998. However, Engler argued that Blackwell's criminal history should not overshadow his contributions to his family and community.
Police investigations into Blackwell's murder revealed that several witnesses were uncooperative, and no arrests were made immediately following the incident. Detectives had a name of a possible suspect but did not disclose further details. The Warren Police Department released surveillance video from the nearby school in hopes of identifying the vehicles and individuals involved in the crime. Despite these efforts, the case remained unsolved, and the community continued to seek justice for Blackwell's untimely death.
In the aftermath of Blackwell's murder, the Warren Police Department faced challenges in solving the case due to a lack of physical evidence and witness cooperation. The city's homicide rate in 2017 was the highest in a decade, with 13 homicides reported, and Blackwell's case was one of the unsolved murders that year. The community and Blackwell's family continued to hope for answers and justice, as the investigation remained open.
Blackwell's death left a significant impact on his family and the Warren community, who remembered him as a beloved and hardworking individual. His memory lives on through his children and the many people whose lives he touched.
