On the evening of October 26, 2024, 18-year-old La'Shae Ellis attended a Halloween party in Akron, Ohio, that turned tragic when gunfire erupted, resulting in her death and injuries to two other teenagers. The incident occurred around 10:45 p.m. at a residence on Paris Avenue in the Summit Lake neighborhood. Responding officers found Ellis severely wounded; she was transported to Cleveland Clinic Akron General, where she was pronounced dead.
A 16-year-old male and a 17-year-old female also sustained non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to recover.
Ellis was a promising young woman who graduated a year early from Buchtel High School and was pursuing studies in business and entrepreneurship at Stark State College. She worked at The Summa Early Education and Learning Center, where she had been promoted to lead teacher. Her mother, Krystal Ellis, described her as "a bubbly kid, an angel... the sweetest child—sweet and smart."
In the aftermath of the shooting, police apprehended an 18-year-old man who fled the scene, discarding a handgun during the pursuit. He was charged with carrying a concealed weapon and obstructing official business; however, authorities have not confirmed his involvement in the shooting. Investigators believe an unidentified male produced a handgun and fired shots inside the house, striking the victims. The investigation is ongoing, and no suspects have been definitively identified.
The community and Ellis's family are seeking justice. Summit County Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the resolution of the case. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau or Summit County Crimestoppers. Krystal Ellis implores, "If somebody knows something, say something, please."
