Ernestine Annette Stallings, also known as "Onion" and "Ern Money," was a 34-year-old woman from Akron, Ohio, who tragically lost her life on July 3, 2023. Born on October 19, 1988, to the late Willie James Terrell Sr. of Toomsuba, Ernestine's life was cut short in a violent incident that shocked the local community.
The fatal shooting occurred outside a Dollar Tree store in Akron.
The circumstances surrounding her death initially led to a call for public assistance in solving the case. A $5,000 reward was offered for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those responsible for Ernestine's homicide. The community's response to this tragedy was evident, with a fashion show being organized to honor Ernestine's memory and to help other families impacted by violence.
In a significant development on September 13, 2023, approximately two months after the incident, law enforcement made an arrest in connection with Ernestine's murder. Jontae Watkins, a 24-year-old man, was charged with murder for the deadly shooting. At the time of the charges, Watkins was already incarcerated on unrelated charges. This arrest marked a crucial step in the pursuit of justice for Ernestine Stallings and her grieving family.
The case of Ernestine Stallings highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in communities. Her untimely death serves as a somber reminder of the impact of such violence on families and society at large. As the legal proceedings against the suspect continue, the community of Akron continues to remember Ernestine and support efforts to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
