The Akron Police Department has made an arrest in the recent Highland Square murder. This morning, officers detained 24-year-old Deshawn Stafford for his alleged involvement in the death of Timothy Hutchinson, a tragic incident that unfolded on October 5. According to a social media post by the Akron Police Department, detectives alongside the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) assisted in apprehending Stafford and executed a search warrant at his residence, which led to the discovery of bulk amounts of narcotics.
Stafford is now facing multiple charges, including murder, felonious assault, and trafficking in drugs, among others. The investigation has shed light on the events leading to Hutchinson's untimely death. Detectives believe an altercation began when Stafford started to shoot at Emahni Eugene Thomas, the other man implicated, who, in turn returned fire, with the ensuing exchange resulting in Hutchinson’s fatality.
In conjunction with Stafford's arrest, 23-year-old Emahni Eugene Thomas was also taken into custody on unrelated charges. As detailed in the police department's update, Thomas faces charges of aggravated robbery and having weapons while under disability. Further charges in connection with Hutchinson's death are currently pending. It is a complex case with layers that the authorities are meticulously unraveling. The community, still reeling from the violence, is closely watching as events unfold and justice seeks its course.
The police continue to investigate the case, piecing together the circumstances that led to the tragic shooting in Highland Square. They have not yet disclosed additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding Hutchinson's death or the connection between the two suspects. As they prepare to fully lay out the specifics of the case, the Akron Police Department has extended gratitude to the NOVFTF for their assistance in the arrests and recognized the ongoing dedication of the detectives involved in the case.
