On January 18, 1980, Samuel Gooden Jr., a 28-year-old male, was shot at the Players Lounge located at 1655 South Hawkins Avenue in Akron, Ohio. Despite being severely wounded, Gooden managed to drive himself to the hospital, but tragically succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. The incident, which occurred in Summit County, was immediately ruled a homicide by law enforcement, but no suspects have been apprehended to date.
The Akron Police Department took charge of the investigation, and the case remains open as an unsolved homicide. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) has also been involved, attempting to gather more information by keeping the case active within the state's unsolved homicides database. Authorities have emphasized the importance of public assistance in solving this case. They encourage anyone who may have information, no matter how small, to submit a tip, as such information could potentially lead to a resolution. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office continues to list Samuel Gooden Jr.'s case as unsolved in hopes of generating new leads that could bring justice to him and closure for his family.
The circumstances surrounding Gooden's death are particularly tragic given that he was attempting to save his own life by seeking medical assistance after being shot. Law enforcement's efforts have been focused on piecing together the details from that fateful night, but so far, the lack of witnesses or substantial evidence has made it difficult to solve the case. The continued hope is that renewed visibility through statewide efforts by the BCI will bring forward new information that could help solve the murder of Samuel Gooden Jr.
