On November 21, 2024, at approximately 12:05 a.m., Akron police responded to a shooting incident at a residence in the 100 block of East Wilbeth Road in the Firestone Park neighborhood. Upon arrival, officers discovered 32-year-old Darnell E. McGrady inside the home, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite prompt medical attention, McGrady was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:45 a.m.
Investigations revealed that McGrady had been in the company of 28-year-old Byron Johnson and at least one other male at the time of the shooting. Following the fatal shots, Johnson and the unidentified individual fled the scene in McGrady's vehicle. Authorities tracked the stolen vehicle to a residence in the 1000 block of Silvercrest Avenue.
Upon arrival at Silvercrest Avenue, Johnson forcibly entered the home of a 65-year-old woman, whom he knew, assaulting her by delivering multiple punches and stealing an undisclosed amount of money. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Barberton Hospital for treatment.
Continuing his flight, Johnson was located at a residence in the 500 block of Storer Avenue, where he barricaded himself. A 47-year-old resident, along with a 20-year-old man and a 1-year-old child, were safely escorted out of the house by police. The Akron Police Department's SWAT team was deployed, and after a brief standoff, Johnson attempted to escape through a window but was apprehended and taken into custody.
Byron Johnson has been charged with murder in connection to the death of Darnell McGrady. Additionally, he faces charges of aggravated burglary, felonious assault, and motor vehicle theft related to the subsequent incidents on Silvercrest Avenue. He is currently held at the Summit County Jail. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the involvement of the other individuals present during these events.
