Jaurice A. Blakely, an 18-year-old male from Whitehall, OH, tragically lost his life on January 13, 2015. He was shot in the chest at Players Family Billiards, a pool hall in Whitehall, and pronounced dead at the scene. The incident occurred around 12:20 a.m. following a fight that broke out in the pool hall.
The investigation led to the arrest of three individuals in connection with Blakely's death. Erik L. Thompson Jr., a 14-year-old boy, was charged with murder.
He was accused of pulling the trigger that resulted in Blakely's death. Robert T. Cox II, 27, and Per’Shawda Crawford, 20, were also arrested and charged with complicity to murder. According to police, Cox accompanied Thompson to the pool hall, while Crawford allegedly drove the getaway vehicle.
The case drew significant attention from local law enforcement, and the community was deeply affected by the loss of Blakely. The investigation highlighted the challenges of youth violence and the impact of such incidents on families and communities. The arrests and subsequent legal proceedings underscored the serious nature of the crime and the efforts of authorities to bring those responsible to justice.
Blakely's family, including his mother Tanya Nicole Pannell, father Timothy Maurice Blakely, and siblings, were left to mourn his loss and cherish his memory. The tragic event served as a reminder of the importance of addressing violence and providing support to those affected by such senseless acts.
