Two men from Warren, Ohio, are now facing federal charges following a fatal shooting incident outside a local convenience store earlier this month. On August 20th, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio announced the arrests of Jumal Ellis Rowe and Rayjon Ray Mcelroy, both of whom are charged with firearms violations in connection with the violence that struck the Convenient Food Mart in Warren on August 3rd, resulting in one death and leaving another person injured.
Investigators managed to quickly identify Rowe, 32, and Mcelroy, 25, as suspects after reviewing video surveillance from the store, which showed events at play around 5 a.m. during a dice game that turned aggressive. According to the criminal complaint, accessed via the U.S. Department of Justice's website, Rowe is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, considering his previous convictions for trafficking and possession of cocaine. Mcelroy's charge stems from possession of ammunition by a person previously convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
The affidavit details how the Warren Police Department and the Trumbull County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene after reports of a shootout. “Multiple gunshots” and an individual suffering from gunshot wounds prompted the call for service, laying bare the violent exchange captured on camera. The footage also showed Mcelroy in possession of a Kel-Tec Sub 2000, 5.7 caliber folding firearm, and Rowe with a Glock, Model 23Gen4, .40 caliber, semi-automatic pistol.
Facing up to 15 years in federal prison if convicted, both men will have their fates decided based on factors such as prior criminal record, role in the offense, and characteristics of the violation, as highlighted by U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer. The investigation invites a close collaboration between the ATF Youngstown Satellite Office and local law enforcement agencies. It was emphasized that a criminal complaint is not proof of guilt and that the defendants have the right "to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt,” as stated in the U.S. Department of Justice announcement.
While the investigation of the convenience store shooting continues, authorities urge anyone with additional information to step forward and contact the Warren Police Department to aid in shedding light on the matter. This formal solicitation for community assistance underscores the commitment to bringing full clarity and justice to the violent event that disrupted the early morning calm of a Warren neighborhood.
