Number of Akron mass shooting victims up to 27, vigils and mental health events announced
Three days after a mass shooting in East Akron, Akron Police Chief Brian Harding said the number of those struck or grazed by gunfire has risen to 27.
That number has bounced back and forth between 25 and 27 since the shooting early Sunday morning. Harding said the number of people seeking help and the different hospitals treating them caused some confusion.
The majority of wounded are in their 30s. One is 19, while three are in their 20s and two are in their 40s.
He addressed the media Wednesday afternoon alongside Akron Mayor Shammas Malik and police Capt. Michael Miller in the city's second press conference since the Sunday shooting.
LaTeris Cook, 27, died in the drive-by shooting. A 29-year-old and 37-year-old remain in critical condition, Harding said.
"My deepest condolences to Mr. Cook and his family," he said.
Police retrieved 45 shell casings from the scene, up from the 35 they reported finding on Sunday. A third handgun was also found at or near the scene.
No one has been arrested in the case and officials Wednesday declined to speculate on a possible motive or description of the vehicle involved. The shooting happened outside the home of a man celebrating his birthday. More than 100 people joined in the festivities, which included loud music, custom cars and fireworks.
Harding confirmed that at least one partygoer returned fire, but that number could be higher.
Investigators are combing through roughly 70 hours of body-worn camera footage, FLOCK footage and tips from individuals throughout the community, Harding said. They are also working with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
"Every single person should be able to gather with family and friends in a safe environment and feel safe and be safe," Malik said of the gathering, echoing a statement Harding made on Sunday.
Akron prayer vigils today and Thursday following mass shooting
Malike invited community members to participate in two prayer vigils scheduled Wednesday and Thursday evenings. The events aim to honor and remember Cook, the 24 people injured and aid the community in healing.
"Earlier this week, someone made a comment to me that I more than understand; they said we would be focused on making an arrest and wiping our hands and moving on," Malik said Wednesday. "We are not going to do that. They deserve a city government that does not move along to the next thing."
The first gathering will be at Arlington Church of God at 539 S. Arlington St. from 6:30-7:30 p.m. today.
The second vigil will be Thursday at Burning Buch Church at 131 S. High St. downtown Akron. It begins at 6 p.m.
Mental health and crisis support event slated for Saturday
As part of this focus on prioritizing mental health, Malik said the city will partner with area faith leaders, nonprofits and mental health agencies to organize a community space to reflect.
This event runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the East Akron Development Corporation at 550 S. Arlington St.
"All of us are committed to engaging with and investing in our neighborhoods and working hand in hand with folks in our neighborhoods as we strive to ensure safety," Malik said.
Reporter Anthony Thompson contributed to this report. Bryce Buyakie covers courts and public safety for the Beacon Journal. He can be reached by email at [email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @bryce_buyakie.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron mass shooting update: Number of victims rises to 27
