A late-night confrontation inside a popular Akron bar has now turned into a full-blown murder case, with a Canton man facing serious charges after a shooting that left one man dead and another wounded. Prosecutors say an argument inside the Noisy Oyster Pub spiraled into violence and gunfire, a case that already set off a large police search and led to the restaurant’s temporary closure.
Indictment and charges
According to WKYC, a Summit County grand jury returned an indictment on May 28 charging 28-year-old Larnell Nealy Jr. with two counts of murder, two counts of felonious assault, tampering with evidence and illegal possession of a firearm in a liquor-permit premises. Summit County booking records list murder and felonious assault among his charges and show bond set at $1,000,000, per the Summit County Sheriff's Office.
What happened at the Noisy Oyster
As reported by News 5 Cleveland, the shooting unfolded on May 4 during dinner service at the Noisy Oyster at 1375 North Portage Path when an argument inside escalated into a physical fight and then gunfire. The Summit County Medical Examiner identified the man who died as 31-year-old Eric Schaffer of Cuyahoga Falls. EMS took him to Cleveland Clinic Akron General, where he was pronounced dead at 8:49 p.m. A 35-year-old man was shot in both legs and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Police search and evidence
Akron police say the suspect ran from the scene on foot. Officers brought in drones and a Summit County Sheriff's K-9 unit while canvassing the neighborhood, and investigators recovered clothing they believe the suspect discarded, according to Cleveland 19 (WOIO). Detectives also found video from multiple nearby homes that captured the suspect leaving the area, officials said.
Arraignment and booking
Nealy turned himself in to the Summit County Jail the night of the shooting and was booked there, with a judge initially setting bond at $1 million, according to county records. Court scheduling information reported by WKYC shows Nealy is due to be arraigned June 11 at 10:30 a.m.
Noisy Oyster and city reaction
The Noisy Oyster released a statement saying staff and the community are heartbroken and that the tavern would temporarily close while people process the tragedy, according to News 5 Cleveland. Akron Mayor Shammas Malik and Police Chief Brian Harding also issued statements condemning the violence and thanking officers for their response. Officials noted that the shooting is part of a recent string of bar-related incidents around the city.
Legal implications
The grand jury indictment means Nealy now faces formal charges in Summit County. Murder convictions under Ohio law can bring penalties of up to life in prison, according to the Ohio Revised Code. Nealy is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court and will have the opportunity to contest the charges at his arraignment.
