Nearly three years after two Middletown roommates were shot to death inside their home, 28-year-old Natrone C. Kakaris has been formally charged in a case that could end with a death sentence. Kakaris pleaded not guilty Thursday in Butler County Common Pleas Court to one count of aggravated murder and two counts of murder in the 2023 killings of Marvin Tyrone "Ty" Davis Jr. and Daniel Fitzgerald. The two were shot inside their 15th Avenue home in the early morning hours of Feb. 4, 2023.
Arrest and arraignment
Kakaris was taken into custody on Feb. 27 in the 2200 block of Whittier Street after what investigators describe as a years-long probe, then booked into the Middletown City Jail, according to Journal-News. He was arraigned on March 5, where Butler County Judge Jennifer Muench‑McElfresh labeled the aggravated murder count a capital charge, appointed two defense attorneys to the case and declined to set bond.
Prosecutors' account
In court, prosecutors outlined a brutal scene. They said Davis Jr. suffered 14 gunshot wounds and Fitzgerald was shot three times, including once in the back of the head, and argued the killings were carried out to avoid being caught for a separate crime, according to a court filing cited by the Cincinnati Enquirer. The indictment charges Kakaris with one count of aggravated murder and two counts of murder.
Families speak in court
The courtroom was packed with family members of the victims, many of whom urged the judge to keep Kakaris behind bars. Fitzgerald's mother, Karhma Foster, told the court, "He has hid, he has lied, he has not been found," while Davis' mother, Patricia Snow, said, "For three years, we've been living in fear," the Cincinnati Enquirer reported. Their pleas came as prosecutors stressed the severity of the shooting and pressed the court to keep Kakaris jailed while the case moves forward.
Investigation details and timeline
Middletown police say the case remained active for three years and that an "accumulation of evidence" eventually led to Kakaris' arrest. Investigators believe the victims were known to the suspect, according to WLWT. Officers originally responded to the 15th Avenue home in the early morning hours of Feb. 4, 2023. Fitzgerald was pronounced dead at the scene and Davis later died at Atrium Medical Center.
Legal context
Under Ohio law, aggravated murder is a capital offense, and the state may seek the death penalty if specific aggravating circumstances are proven, according to Ohio Revised Code §2903.01. To pursue a capital sentence, prosecutors must formally allege those aggravating factors and then prove them at trial before a death sentence can be imposed.
What’s next
Kakaris is scheduled to return to Butler County court on March 19 for a plea or trial‑setting hearing, according to Journal-News. If prosecutors move forward with capital specifications and a jury ultimately finds those proven at trial, Kakaris could face the death penalty. His attorneys have argued that he is entitled to a reasonable bond while the case plays out.
How to help
Investigators say they are still reviewing information in the case and are asking anyone with tips to contact Middletown police Detective Mynhier at 513‑425‑7720 or Middletown dispatch at 513‑425‑7700, according to WHIO. Police say any additional details from the public will be evaluated as the investigation continues.
