On the evening of April 1, 2026, a sense of unease settled over a south side neighborhood in Youngstown, Ohio. Gunfire shattered the night, prompting a ShotSpotter notification that sent police to the vicinity of East Judson Avenue. It was there that the life of 17-year-old Charles Pullen Jr. was tragically cut short.
Responding to the automated alert of gunfire around 9:55 p.m., officers initially arrived at a residence on Potomac Avenue, near East Judson, where a group of people had
gathered outside. Shortly after, word came that a teenager with at least one gunshot wound had been taken by private vehicle to St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital. Despite medical efforts, Charles was pronounced deceased at 10:26 p.m.
The Mahoning County Coroner's Office later officially identified the victim as Charles Pullen Jr. and confirmed his death was the result of a shooting. The Youngstown Police Department, in conjunction with the coroner's office, immediately launched a homicide investigation into the city's second killing of the year. An autopsy was subsequently performed by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office.
Charles, known affectionately as "Paupi," was a junior at Mahoning Valley High School. Remembered as a young man who was well-known and loved by many, he had a passion for playing video games, particularly on his Xbox, and was an avid fan of the Seattle Seahawks. His obituary paints a picture of a family-oriented teenager who cherished spending time with his grandmothers and cousins.
As of the most recent reports, the investigation into the death of Charles Pullen Jr. is ongoing. Authorities have not yet publicly identified any suspects or made any arrests in connection with the shooting. The Youngstown Police Department continues to seek information from the public that may lead to a breakthrough in the case.
