Austin Lee Mendenhall Sr., age 38, tragically lost his life to gun violence on August 31, 2023, in Youngstown, Ohio. The incident occurred in the 300 block of Fernwood Avenue on the South Side of Youngstown. The Youngstown Police Department received a ShotSpotter notification at 7:18 p.m., alerting them to gunfire in the area. Upon arrival, officers found a chaotic scene with Mendenhall lying in a front yard. Emergency medical personnel pronounced him deceased at the scene.
The shooting marked the third homicide in Youngstown within a week, bringing the city's total homicide count for the year to 11. The police reported that hundreds of people descended upon the block while officers were attempting to secure the crime scene. This influx of people complicated the initial investigation efforts.
As of the latest available information, no arrests have been made in connection with Mendenhall's death, and there are currently no identified suspects. The Youngstown Police Department is actively investigating the case and has called upon the community for assistance. They are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers or the Youngstown Police Department.
Jaquaila Dothard, the mother of Mendenhall's child, has expressed her belief that someone in the community has information about the murder. She is seeking answers and justice for her child's father. The police are thankful for the community's help thus far and are hopeful that additional information will come to light to aid in solving this case.
The loss of Austin Lee Mendenhall Sr. has left a void in the lives of his family and friends. As the investigation continues, authorities are working diligently to piece together the events that led to this tragic incident and bring those responsible to justice.
