Zarian Dothard, a 19-year-old from Youngstown, Ohio, tragically lost his life on June 11, 2024, following a shooting incident that occurred around 10:10 PM in the 500 block of East Judson Avenue. Upon police arrival, they found Dothard lying in a driveway with a gunshot wound. Despite immediate medical attention and being transported to St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of June 12, 2024.
The investigation quickly led to the arrest of a 17-year-old suspect, identified as Lyndale Wilkins Jr., who was charged with murder. Reports indicate that Wilkins was turned in by his family members at the same time police responded to the shooting scene. During his arraignment in Mahoning County Juvenile Court, it was revealed that he faces serious charges, including unspecified felony murder and gun specifications. If convicted as an adult, he could face a prison sentence ranging from 15 years to life.
The autopsy report later confirmed that Dothard had been shot in the neck, with the bullet traveling upward and exiting through his head. This incident marked the tenth homicide in Youngstown for the year and raised concerns about increasing violence in the area. Wilkins is currently held at the Martin P. Joyce Juvenile Justice Center as further proceedings are set to determine whether he will be tried as an adult. The court has scheduled a probable cause hearing within the next week to assess the evidence against him and decide on the future course of legal action.
