In the early evening of January 28, 2026, the life of TaShaun M. Smith-Newman, a 20-year-old man from Massillon, Ohio, was tragically cut short. The incident unfolded around 5:25 p.m. in Canton, Ohio, following a series of 911 calls that reported a shooting in the 600 block of Alan Page Drive SE. When police officers arrived at the scene outside the Skyline Terrace Apartments, they discovered Smith-Newman suffering from a gunshot wound to his torso.
Paramedics from the Canton Fire Department provided immediate medical attention and transported him to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into the homicide quickly led Canton police to a nearby building where they located and took four individuals into custody. Authorities have since identified the suspects and filed charges against them. Niko Marshall, an 18-year-old from Canton, faces charges of murder, felonious assault, having weapons under disability, and a probation violation. Nathaniel Sanford, 33, of Sherrodsville, has been charged with murder and tampering with evidence.
Two other men from Massillon were also implicated in the events surrounding the shooting. De Iveon J. Newman, 19, was charged with receiving stolen property. Kymani James, 20, faces a charge of tampering with evidence. While the investigation remains ongoing, reports have indicated that the fatal shooting may have been linked to a child custody exchange. Authorities are continuing to seek information from the public regarding the case and have asked anyone with knowledge of the incident to contact the Canton Police Detective Bureau or utilize anonymous tip lines.
