The family and friends of the 17-year-old boy who was beaten to death near I Promise in Akron can now sleep a little easier tonight knowing that the people responsible for the death of their loved one are locked up.
Ethan Liming, who was found in the parking lot near the basketball courts of the I Promise School, died due to a blunt force head injury. The U.S. Marshals Service announced three men have been arrested in connection of his death.
Police said Liming and three of his friends went to the school, and that members of their group apparently shot toy water gel guns at four people playing basketball on the courts at the I Promise School. The players ran away as two in Liming’s group ran in their direction, police said. The players then turned around, ran back and confronted the teens at their car. A fight started, police said, with Liming ending up being pronounced dead at the scene..
WOIO reports that U.S. Marshalls arrested 21-year-old Donovon Jones, 19-year-old Tyler Stafford and 20-year-old Deshawn Stafford Jr. Authorities said they tracked the three suspects to homes in the area where they were taken into custody.
Officials with the U.S. Marshals and the city of Akron shared the following statements regarding the arrests:
“Ethan’s senseless and tragic death has touched every person in our community. These arrests would not have been possible without the dedication of our Akron Police Department and their collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force. They have worked around the clock on this case and I thank them for their tireless efforts. My thoughts and prayers remain with the entire Liming family at this time.” — Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan
“I am happy to report that today, officers with the Akron Police Department, made several arrests in connection with the death of Ethan Liming. We thank the members of the community for their outpouring of support that helped investigators throughout this investigation. We will continue to follow any leads that will result in bringing those responsible for Ethan’s death to justice. While I believe the news of the arrests will be welcomed by Ethan’s family and loved ones, we all recognize that nothing will bring Ethan back. Violence in this country must stop. We are losing too many lives to senseless acts of violence.” — Akron Police Chief Stephen Mylett
“The U.S. Marshals Service will continue to provide all necessary resources to help our partners at the Akron Police Department to combat violent crime. This crime impacted an entire community and we stand alongside the community in seeking justice for Ethan.” — U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott
LeBron James’ I Promise School is a part of the Akron Public School District, serving students in third through seventh grades. Liming was a rising senior at Firestone Community Learning Center in the Academy of Design.
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The Liming family also released the following statement after the arrests were announced:
“Our whole family is beyond thankful for the help the community has given us. Throughout this whole process, we’ve seen horrific things, but the good we’ve seen is just so much brighter. We love our son, and we miss him dearly.”
