BATH TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Local and state authorities held a news conference on Friday morning, announcing the arrest of three individuals in connection with the investigation into the Airbnb party shooting that injured multiple people and left one man dead.
Bath Township Police Chief Vito Sinopoli was joined by Attorney General Dave Yost as well as members from other local and federal agencies.
Watch a portion of the press conference:
Sinopoli said that investigators from the Bath Township Police Department, Akron Police Department, ATF and U.S. Marshals Service arrested 18-year-old Derquan Montel Edwards at a residence in New Philadelphia on Nov. 14.
According to Sinopoli, Edwards's arrest stemmed from an Akron Police investigation involving a stolen gun. During that investigation, evidence tied Edwards to the shooting in Bath Township. Edwards is charged with one count of murder and nine counts of felonious assault.
The Akron Municipal Court Clerk's Office said Edwards will be arraigned Nov. 24 at 9 a.m., after being uncooperative for his original arraignment on Nov. 22.
On Nov. 18, Akron Police arrested 19-year-old Jashawn Davonte Stewart in connection with a vehicle pursuit. A firearm was recovered during his arrest, Sinopoli said. Stewart is also the subject of two other shooting investigations, as well as a third involving a stolen vehicle, according to Sinopoli. Evidence in those investigations tied Stewart to the Bath Township shooting. Stewart is charged with one count of murder and nine counts of felonious assault.
The clerk's office said Stewart's case was transferred to the Summit County Court of Common Pleas, and that a $3 million bond has been set.
A 16-year-old male who was present during Edwards's arrest was also arrested on Nov. 19 on charges related to the shooting. The teen is being held in a juvenile detention facility in Akron. He's charged with one count of delinquency to commit murder and nine counts of delinquency to commit felonious assault.
The mother of Elijah Wells, the 18-year-old who was shot at the party and later died at the hospital, fought back tears when police announced the names of the teens accused of killing him.
"That was my world, and my world has been shattered," Alicia Wells said. "I'm a mother at heart. There's nothing else I know but how to be a mother and to hear that there was a 16-year-old arrested broke my heart."
Sinipoli shared words of encouragement from his department to the families who were affected.
“This incident was a tragic and senseless act of violence that left many injured and also resulted in the loss of life,” Sinopoli said in a statement. “Our thoughts remain with the victims and their families and all who were impacted."
Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich said his office is taking steps to have the 16-year-old tried in court as an adult.
“The loss of Elijah Wells is tragic and senseless, and I want to extend my condolences to his loved ones,” Kolkovich said in a statement. “I have no tolerance for gun violence in Summit County. We will continue to work with local, state and federal agencies to ensure that anyone who commits a violent crime with a gun will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
"He was a phenomenal person, and the world is gonna take a big loss," Alicia Wells said.
Yost said that DNA evidence and technology collected during the investigation were important in identifying the suspects. The investigation into the shooting continues.
“Today’s announcement was made possible by the hard work of investigators who were determined to bring these perpetrators to justice,” Yost said in a statement. “Kudos to Chief Sinopoli for his steady leadership throughout the investigation.”
Peter Pattakos, the family's attorney, who is planning a lawsuit, said more answers are needed.
"Where we still would really appreciate more information is as to the connection that the organizers of this party have with the shooters," Pattakos said.
Police said they have identified the woman who organized the party, but she has not been charged. They also said they will not rule out the possibility, though, of more charges.
Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call the police department's detective bureau at 330-666-3736 or Ohio BCI at 1-855-BCI-OHIO.
The shooting
The Nov. 2 shooting happened at an Airbnb in the 900 block of Top-O-Hill Drive at a birthday party that was primarily attended by juveniles and promoted on social media. The out-of-state owner said she was unaware a party had been planned at the rental property. Police say about 250-300 people attended.
Shots were fired, and nine people were injured in the shooting and ensuing chaos.
Bath Township Fire Chief Rob Campbell said in a previous news conference that EMS and firefighters responding to the scene staged at the intersection of Yellow Creek Road near Top-O-Hill and created a casualty collection point. Police officers treated the victims at the scene and then brought the wounded down to EMS to transport them to the hospital.
Elijah Wells, an 18-year-old who was at the party, was shot multiple times and died four days later.
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Two people who were hospitalized that night were released from the hospital yesterday, say police.
Sinopoli told News 5 previously that charges could be filed against the person who organized the party that turned violent, including for providing alcohol to minors.
