DailyKenn: Timothy Eugene Hutchinson, 25, fatally shot in Akron, Ohio

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Innocent Bystander's Death in Akron Shooting Prompts Arrests, Community Mourning

AKRON, Ohio — Timothy Eugene Hutchinson, a 25-year-old recent University of Akron graduate from Wooster, was fatally shot in the head early Oct. 5 while walking in the bustling Highland Square bar district, police said. The shooting occurred around 12:25 a.m. on West Market Street, where Hutchinson was struck by a stray bullet during an exchange of gunfire between two black males, authorities determined.

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Hutchinson, who had dined with friends hours earlier, was rushed to Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The Summit County medical examiner ruled the death a homicide from a single gunshot wound. Detectives described him as an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire, with no prior connection to the shooters.

The incident unfolded when Deshawn Stafford, 24, allegedly opened fire on Emahni Eugene Thomas, 23, following a dispute. Thomas returned fire, and one of his bullets fatally hit Hutchinson, according to police investigations. Stafford, who had been hiding since the shooting, was arrested Oct. 23 at a Crosby Street home after refusing to open the door for U.S. Marshals and Akron officers. Authorities seized bulk narcotics and weapons during the raid.

Stafford faces charges of murder, felonious assault, discharging a firearm on a public roadway, having a weapon while under disability, drug trafficking and possession of drugs and paraphernalia. He was previously convicted in 2023 of aggravated assault in the 2022 beating death of 17-year-old Ethan Liming outside an I Promise School in Akron. Stafford served an 18-month prison sentence for that case.

Thomas was arrested Oct. 23 on unrelated aggravated robbery and weapons charges but was later indicted Oct. 27 on involuntary manslaughter, having a weapon while under disability and tampering with evidence in connection with Hutchinson's death. Both suspects remain in Summit County Jail.

Hutchinson, born June 30, 2000, to Terry and Veronica Hutchinson, was remembered by loved ones as a kind-hearted engineer who cherished his family, including sister Rachel, niece Layla and nephew Viktor. "He only had 25 years of unconditional love," his sister said during a funeral service Oct. 10 at Orrville Grace Brethren Church, which drew hundreds and was livestreamed for mourners.

Friends like Zach Raymond and Jacob Roberts recounted Hutchinson's generosity and deep care for others. "You never think something like this can happen," Raymond said. A candlelight vigil Oct. 17 in Highland Square featured prayers, tears and calls for an end to gun violence, with participants lighting candles and sharing stories of his infectious smile.

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik decried the shooting as "awful and completely unacceptable," vowing relentless pursuit of justice and increased weekend patrols in the neighborhood. U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott called Hutchinson's death a stark reminder of the devastation wrought by illegal guns in criminals' hands.

The case has reignited discussions on sentencing leniency and community safety in Akron, with police urging tips via the Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or Summit County Crimestoppers at 330-434-COPS.