Sharlene M. Boykin, a 20-year-old mother and lifelong resident of Youngstown, Ohio, is remembered for her love of shopping, going to parties, and, most of all, spending time with her family and friends. Born in Youngstown on July 18, 2006, to William Boykin, Jr. and Melissa Green, Sharlene was a 2025 graduate of Chaney High School, where she had been a member of the track and field team. After graduating, she began working for Gateways for Better Living. Growing up, she was a member of St.
Patrick Church. Sharlene was a cherished mother to her young son, Ke’Mazi Rogers, and a beloved daughter, sister, and friend to many.
On the afternoon of Sunday, October 4, 2026, Sharlene was sitting inside a car in the 2600 block of Cooper Street, near Indianola Avenue on Youngstown's south side. At around 2:30 p.m., gunfire erupted, and Sharlene was struck. First responders arrived to find her critically wounded. She was rushed to St. Elizabeth Health Center for emergency treatment. For two days, she fought for her life, but her injuries were too severe. Sharlene M. Boykin died on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
Her death was the city's ninth homicide of the year and occurred less than 12 hours after another fatal shooting claimed the life of another 20-year-old, Bruce Clinkscale, on the city's south side. The Youngstown Police Department and the Mahoning County Coroner's Office immediately launched an investigation into Sharlene's murder. Detectives have not released information about a possible motive or if they have identified any suspects in the case, stating that it remains an active and ongoing investigation. Police have urged anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it might seem, to come forward.
Sharlene was deeply loved and left behind a large family to cherish her memory. This included her son, Ke’Mazi; her parents; her grandparents, Willie Green, Evelyn Hudson, and William Boykin, Sr.; numerous brothers and sisters, Ronald Green, Jawuan Tate, Christopher Rogers, Durrell Richardson, Jr., William Boykin, III, LeBron Boykin, Destani Boykin, Valiyah May, Dynasti Boykin, Jalynn Boykin, Diamone Boykin, and Nakiea Boykin; and the father of her son, Ke’Juan Rogers. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Sharlene Lawson, and three great-grandparents.
Family and friends gathered to say their final goodbyes on Monday, October 12, 2026. A calling hour was held at New Life Church in Poland, Ohio, followed by a funeral service to celebrate her life. The arrangements were handled by the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home.
As of October 2026, the investigation into Sharlene Boykin's murder is ongoing, and no arrests have been made. Her family and community are left waiting for answers and justice. The Youngstown Police Department continues to ask for the public's help. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the detective bureau at (330) 742-8911 or Crime Stoppers at (330) 746-CLUE. Tips can be submitted anonymously, and a reward may be available.
