Austin Tiller, a 20-year-old male from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, tragically lost his life on January 7, 2017, in Ravenna, Ohio. He was fatally shot during an incident at an apartment building on Woodgate Boulevard in Ravenna. The incident also resulted in the death of Brian Brack, 24, from Canton, Ohio, and injured a 21-year-old woman from Ravenna.
The suspect in this case, Javon Thomas, a 26-year-old man from Akron, Ohio, was arrested and charged with murder.
According to police reports, the shooting occurred following an argument at the apartment building. Thomas claimed self-defense, stating that he felt he had no choice but to use force. However, the court found him guilty of two counts of murder and two counts of felonious assault.
In November 2017, Thomas was sentenced to 36 years to life in prison for the deaths of Tiller and Brack. However, in July 2019, an appeals court ordered a new trial for Thomas, arguing that the jury should have been instructed on the "castle doctrine" rather than the "duty to retreat" law. The "castle doctrine" allows individuals to use force in self-defense without retreating if they are in their own home.
The case has seen multiple legal proceedings, including the recent order for a new trial. The investigation involved the Portage County Sheriff's Office, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Portage County Coroner's Office. The case remains under investigation, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Ravenna police.
Austin Tiller was remembered fondly by his friends and family as a kind and passionate individual who enjoyed snowboarding, comic books, music, and playing the guitar. His untimely death has left a lasting impact on his loved ones and the community.
