Kiana Welch, a 19-year-old female, tragically lost her life on April 18, 2013, in Akron, Ohio. She was one of four victims found shot execution-style in the basement of an apartment complex on Kimlyn Circle. The other victims were Ronald Roberts , Maria Nash , and Kem Delaney . The deaths were ruled homicides, and the case quickly garnered significant attention from local authorities and the community.
The investigation revealed that the killings were part of a robbery gone wrong.
Deshanon Haywood and Derrick Brantley were identified as the primary suspects. Haywood and Brantley allegedly planned to rob Ronald Roberts of a large amount of heroin. When the robbery did not go as planned, they decided to kill all four victims to cover their tracks. Haywood was convicted of aggravated murder in 2014, but he was granted a retrial. In 2025, a jury found him guilty for a second time. Brantley was already convicted and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The case was one of the most deadly in Akron's recent history, and it prompted a strong response from law enforcement and the community. Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic assured the public that investigators were working tirelessly to bring justice for the victims and their families. The city also looked into ways to prevent such tragic events in the future.
The loss of Kiana Welch and the other victims deeply affected the community, and their families continue to seek closure and justice for their loved ones. The case remains a poignant reminder of the impact of violent crime and the importance of community and law enforcement efforts to address and prevent such tragedies.
