Johnny L. Gaiter, a 40-year-old man from Akron, Ohio, was killed on July 8, 2022, during a celebration of life for someone who had been murdered the year before. Witnesses say up to three gunmen opened fire on the crowd without warning; police say 34 rounds from three different guns struck the area. Johnny was shot while trying to protect his 4-year-old grand niece, Journei Tolbert. His wife, Melinda Gaiter, called 911 after realizing Johnny and Journei had been hit.

Investigators describe the shooting as part of a feud between two groups in North and West Akron. Police say the firearm used was linked to a separate shooting nine days earlier on Talbot Avenue. No arrests have been announced and the case remains unsolved. Johnny is remembered by family as a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

If anyone who attended that event or who knows about the feud or the Talbot Avenue incident has information, please come forward to assist the investigation.