On September 8, 2023, Dominic Gray, 33, was fatally shot outside an apartment building on Beardsley Street in Akron, Ohio. Responding officers found Gray with four gunshot wounds; he was transported to Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Thomas Ellis, 21, was arrested near the scene carrying a loaded handgun.
Investigations revealed that prior to the shooting, Gray had been arguing with his girlfriend, but they had separated before Ellis approached and shot Gray. Ellis claimed he acted in self-defense, alleging that Gray charged at him after he intervened in a dispute between Gray and his girlfriend. However, prosecutors argued that Gray was fleeing when Ellis opened fire.
In May 2024, a jury found Ellis guilty of two counts of murder and one count of felonious assault, all with firearm specifications. He was sentenced to life in prison with eligibility for parole after 21 years. Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich expressed satisfaction with the verdict, emphasizing that justice was served for the victim and his family.
