Clifton James Cummings, a 35-year-old man, was fatally shot on January 26, 2025, in Springfield, Ohio. The incident occurred at a residence on Larch Street, where police responded to reports of gunfire just after 10:15 p.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered Clifton James Cummings, 35, and another victim, Spencer Sharp, 30, suffering from gunshot wounds.
Cummings was pronounced dead at the scene, while Sharp was transported to Springfield Regional Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities later determined that the shooting was connected to a planned robbery. According to police reports, Jaron Coley, 18, had arranged a drug deal at Sharp’s home, but instead of purchasing drugs, he and his associates allegedly intended to rob Sharp. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Coley entering the residence with Clifton James Cummings, 35, who was wearing a ski mask and holding a handgun. During the attempted robbery, gunfire was exchanged, resulting in the deaths of both Cummings and Sharp.
Following an investigation, Springfield police arrested multiple suspects in connection with the crime. Jaron Coley was taken into custody on January 28, 2025, with the assistance of a SWAT team. Two additional suspects, Riley Haynes, 24, and Nathan Keaton, 21, were later apprehended. Keaton was arrested in Jefferson County, Alabama, with the help of the U.S. Marshals Service. All three suspects were charged with aggravated murder, murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, and felonious assault.
Authorities revealed that Coley was on parole at the time of the incident and was wearing an ankle monitor, which placed him at the scene during the robbery. When questioned by police, Coley allegedly claimed that he had gone to the residence to buy marijuana and was unaware that a robbery was planned. Investigators, however, found evidence suggesting that the group had conspired to rob Sharp. Three weapons were recovered from the crime scene.
The deaths of Clifton James Cummings, 35, and Spencer Sharp, 30, marked the third homicide in Springfield in 2025. In comparison, the city recorded six homicides in the entirety of 2024. Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the case, urging anyone with additional information to contact Springfield Police.
