The Canton Repository is tracking homicides to better understand violence in Stark County. This map and list will identify homicides in the county and will be updated as regularly as possible. This information is compiled using data from law enforcement, Stark County Coroner’s Office and court records.
Thomas J. Lucas, 12, fatally shot in northeast Canton home in suspected accident
Jan. 9: At 10:38 p.m., police were sent to a home in the 3600 block of Ellis Avenue NE in Canton. Thomas J. Lucas, 12, had been shot. Officers began lifesaving measures after finding Thomas on a bed, his face covered with blood and not breathing.
His brother Amir P. Lucas, 15, was sentenced to spend at least a year in the custody of the Ohio Department of Youth Services after admitting to a juvenile charge of reckless homicide.
Ta’Shaun M. Smith-Newman, 20, of Massillon fatally shot in Canton’s Skyline Terrace apartment complex
Jan. 28: At 5:25 p.m., police were called to reports of a shooting in the 600 block of Alan Page Drive SE in the Skyline Terrace apartment complex in Canton. They found 20-year-old Ta’Shaun M. Smith-Newman outside with a gunshot wound to the torso.
A Stark County grand jury declined to indict Niko M. Marshall of Canton, who was initially charged with murder in connection with his death. The grand jury also declined to indict Nathaniel M. Sanford of Sherrodsville, who was initially charged with complicity to commit murder and tampering with evidence. De Iveon J. Newman has pleaded not guilty to charges of receiving stolen property and discharging a firearm at or into a habitation or a school safety zone. Kymani S. James was placed on intensive supervision probation for three years for trying to hide a gun during the investigation. Newman and James live in Massillon.
Richard J. Staats, 51, of Canton, fatally shot in the bedroom of his apartment on Tuscarawas Street W
April 21: Richard J. Staats, 51, was shot in the bedroom of his apartment in the 3100 block of Tuscarawas St. W on April 19. The incident was reported to police at 4:23 a.m. He died April 21 after being removed from life support. He was an organ donor. Ashaad D. Carlisle, 33, is serving a sentence of 12 years to 16.5 years in prison after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter and improperly discharging a firearm into a habitation as part of a negotiated plea agreement. He was originally charged with aggravated murder and discharging a firearm on or near a prohibited premises.
Ashley Ross, 30, of Alliance, found dead in a bedroom at her home in the 300 block of West Ely Street
May 13: Ashley Ross, 30, was found dead in a bedroom of her home in the 300 block of West Ely Street in Alliance. Her children found her. Her husband Robert A. Ross, 50, has pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault and domestic violence. He is being held in the Stark County Jail on a $5 million bond.
Richard A. Poole, 51, of Canton, fatally shot in the 800 block of Alan Page Drive NE, Canton
May 24: Richard A. Poole, 51, of Canton, died after being shot in the chest at an apartment in the 800 block of Alan Page Drive. Daquan B.J. Rucker, 30, of Akron, Larry G. Grimes, 45, of Canton, are charged with murder.
Ronnie R. Brown, 43, of Canton, fatally shot at Hillview Apartments, 1900 Sixth St. NE, Canton
June 14: Ronnie R. Brown, 43, of Canton, was fatally shot in the back at Hillview Apartments in the 1900 block of Sixth Street NE, Canton, on June 14. Leann M. Haynes, of southwest Canton, has been charged with murder.
Kennedy Wise, 15, was fatally shot in the head at her home in the 600 block of West Summit Street, Alliance
June 19: Kennedy Wise, 15, was fatally shot in the head at her home in the 600 block of West Summit Street, Alliance, on June 19. A 14-year-old acquaintance has pleaded not true, the equivalent of “not guilty,” to juvenile offenses of reckless homicide, involuntary manslaughter, tampering with evidence, obstructing official business, negligent assault, falsification and discharging firearms within the city. Attached to the charges are four specifications that a gun was used in the crime.
Jordan A. Horton, 19, of Canton, was found dead under a car in a parking lot in Canton’s Skyline Terrace
July 14: Jordan A. Horton, 19, of Canton was found dead under a car in a parking lot in the 900 block of Alan Page Drive SE in Canton’s Skyline Terrace apartment complex after police were called to the scene around 7 a.m. No suspects have been publicly identified by police in connection with his death.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Stark County homicide tracker 2026
Reporting by Nancy Molnar, Canton Repository / The Repository
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Nancy Molnar, Canton Repository | USA TODAY Network
