Isiah Joseph Helms, known as Zai, was 22 when he was killed in a shooting on January 30, 2022. A Youngstown, Ohio native born September 1, 1999, he graduated from Urban Scholars in 2019, participated in JROTC in high school, and was active at We Walk By Faith Baptist Church. Family remembered him for spending time with his nieces and nephews, building things, and making TikToks.

His body was discovered February 2, 2022, at Mount Hope Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery after he had been reported missing. The Mahoning County Coroner’s Office determined the cause of death was gunshot wounds. The investigation identified two people connected to the case and charges were brought against them; one faced voluntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence, the other faced tampering with evidence. Isiah’s mother, Rosalyn Helms, delivered a victim impact statement describing her grief and saying this was the second son she lost to gun violence.

If anyone knew Isiah, saw him on January 30, 2022, or has information about his death, please come forward.