Zakeria Hussein, a 21-year-old male of Middle Eastern descent, was tragically shot and killed on December 7, 2015, while working at his family-owned pizza shop, Premium New York Style Pizza, in Akron, Ohio. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. when a masked gunman entered the shop and demanded money. Despite complying with the demand, Hussein was fatally shot.
Following the incident, the Akron Police Department launched an investigation to identify the perpetrator.
Surveillance footage from the scene showed the masked robber, but the identity remained unknown for some time. The police received several tips from the community, which eventually led them to identify Shaquille Anderson as the suspect. Anderson was linked to a series of armed robberies in the Akron area, including the one at the pizza shop.
In February 2020, Shaquille Anderson was found guilty of aggravated murder, murder, aggravated robbery, and having a weapon under disability. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Anderson confessed to shooting Hussein while in prison, and his conviction brought some closure to Hussein's family and friends.
The University of Akron, where Hussein was a junior studying international business, released a statement expressing shock and sadness over his death. The Muslim Students Association, of which Hussein was an active member, held a vigil in his honor. Hussein was remembered by his friends and family as a kind, hard-working, and spiritual person who always maintained a positive attitude despite life's struggles.
The case highlighted the importance of community cooperation in solving crimes and brought attention to the need for increased safety measures in local businesses. Hussein's family continues to seek justice and closure, hoping that Anderson's conviction will prevent further tragedies in the future.
