DeJuan Edward Thomas Sr., a 33-year-old African American man from Youngstown, OH, tragically died on February 7, 2015. He was born on September 30, 1981, and was well-known in his community. DeJuan was employed at Valley Foods and City Car Wash and was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys. He was also a member of Christ Center Church and enjoyed spending time with his five sons.
On the night of his death, DeJuan was involved in an altercation with Earl Price, 42, inside the Jazz Partners
lounge on Oak Hill Avenue. The argument escalated, and both men went outside, where DeJuan was shot in the chest. He was driven to St. Elizabeth Health Center but succumbed to his injuries. Witnesses reported that the car was covered with blood on the inside and had a shattered window.
Following the incident, Earl Price was indicted by a Mahoning County grand jury on charges of aggravated murder and a weapons charge. The murder charge included a gun specification and a repeat violent offender specification. Price pleaded guilty to the homicide in July 2015.
The case drew significant attention in Youngstown, as DeJuan was set to appear at a pre-trial hearing for a separate case involving the 2012 shooting death of 16-year-old Kristopher Stewart. DeJuan was one of three men indicted in connection with that case.
DeJuan Edward Thomas Sr.'s death left a profound impact on his family and the community, who remembered him for his love of sports, music, and his dedication to his sons.
