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 is charged with complicity to commit murder and tampering with evidence. De Iveon J. Newman is charged with receiving stolen property, and 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, has been charged with aggravated murder and discharging a firearm on or near a prohibited premises.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Stark County homicide tracker 2026
Reporting by Nancy Molnar, Canton Repository / The Repository
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