On the evening of March 28, 2026, a shooting in Akron, Ohio, claimed the life of 47-year-old Tania Mangual, a Black female. The incident also resulted in the death of her 12-year-old son, Jericho Mangual.
Police responded to reports of a shooting on West Wilbeth Road at approximately 8:10 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered a vehicle that had crashed into a treeline on Hemlock Street and was partially on fire.
Inside the vehicle, first responders found Jericho, who had sustained a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. Tania Mangual, the driver, had also been shot and was transported to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. A 2-year-old son of Mangual's was also in the car but was unharmed.
The investigation into the double homicide quickly led to a suspect, 28-year-old Brandon T. Casto. Information provided by a woman who fled the scene after the suspect allegedly shot at her helped police identify Casto. Investigators learned that Casto might be attempting to flee the Akron area and coordinated with the sheriff's office in Meigs County. Casto later turned himself in to the authorities in Meigs County. A search of a residence connected to Casto uncovered multiple firearms and a large quantity of ammunition.
Brandon T. Casto has been charged with two counts of aggravated murder and two counts of felonious assault. He pleaded not guilty, and his bond was set at $3 million. While the investigation is ongoing, authorities have indicated that a dispute over parking is being examined as a possible motive for the shooting. There is no reported connection between Casto and the Mangual family.
