Trey Anthony Sukey, a 30-year-old Black man from Lorain, Ohio, was a welder, an artist, and a beloved son and brother described as having the "biggest heart." Known to friends as a "class clown" who was always laughing, he was passionate about riding motorcycles and had recently joined the Worthless Nuts Motorcycle Association to share that love with others.
His family and friends were devastated when his life was cut short in a random act of violence.
On the evening of October 24, 2023, a man began targeting motorcyclists in Lorain County. The first reports came in around 5:19 p.m. from Amherst, where shots were fired at a rider. At 6:02 p.m., another motorcyclist was shot at in a different part of Amherst. While no one was injured in these initial attacks, at least one motorcycle was struck by a bullet. The violence culminated around 6:18 p.m. in Elyria Township, near the intersection of Lake Avenue and Emerson Court. There, Trey Sukey was shot multiple times as he was riding his motorcycle.
Bystanders, including a surgical technician who lived nearby, rushed to Sukey’s side and attempted to render aid until paramedics arrived. He was transported to University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center, but he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The series of shootings prompted a swift law enforcement response, and less than an hour after Sukey was shot, deputies arrested a suspect at a relative’s home in Elyria. The suspect was identified as 24-year-old Isaiah Makuch. A handgun believed to have been used in the shootings was recovered from his vehicle.
Investigators stated that Makuch appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis, telling them he believed a motorcycle group was pursuing him. He was initially charged with aggravated murder and held without bond. In December 2023, a Lorain County grand jury indicted Makuch on multiple felony charges, including aggravated murder, murder, attempted murder, and felonious assault.
In January 2024, Makuch pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. During legal proceedings, his attorney stated that Makuch believed the illuminati was after him and that anyone riding a motorcycle was part of the group. His bench trial began in March 2026 in the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas. On March 27, 2026, the judge found Isaiah Makuch guilty on all counts, including the aggravated murder of Trey Sukey.
