On September 8, 2023, at approximately 10 p.m., 22-year-old Vincent D. Tarver was fatally shot at the Compass West apartment complex in Austintown, Ohio. His girlfriend, 21-year-old Joleene Christy, sustained a gunshot wound to her right side during the incident. First responders found Tarver in the parking lot with gunshot wounds to his neck, upper chest, and leg, while Christy was located inside the apartment. Both were transported to St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, where Tarver was pronounced dead.
Witnesses reported hearing an argument in the parking lot shortly before the gunfire. They observed three men fleeing toward Westgate Boulevard immediately after the shooting. One witness captured part of the incident on video, and others identified a white male among the group who repeatedly lifted his shirt as if reaching for a gun.
The following day, a 17-year-old suspect, later identified as Ethan Richmond, was arrested in connection with the shooting. He was charged with murder, felonious assault, each accompanied by a three-year firearm specification, and tampering with evidence. Initially held at the Mahoning County Juvenile Justice Center, Richmond's case was later bound over to adult court. In April 2024, a grand jury indicted him on charges of voluntary manslaughter and felonious assault, both with firearm specifications.
Another individual, 22-year-old Talim Dawud Malik Mumin, was arrested on September 13, 2023, on charges of obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence. Witnesses indicated that Mumin had argued with Tarver before the shooting. He was accused of attempting to hide the murder weapon, which police later recovered. In April 2024, Mumin faced additional indictments, including two counts each of murder and felonious assault, all with firearm specifications.
The investigation also led to charges against Mumin's younger brother, 18-year-old Tylan Damont Mumin, who was indicted on charges of tampering with evidence and obstruction of justice. He pleaded guilty to two counts of obstructing justice and was sentenced to two years of probation. Additionally, a juvenile female was charged with evidence tampering in connection to the case.
Authorities have continued to gather evidence and interview witnesses to build a comprehensive case against those involved in the tragic death of Vincent Tarver. The legal proceedings are ongoing, with trials for the accused scheduled in the coming months.
