Sam McLaurin Jr., a 53-year-old African American man from Lima, Ohio, was shot to death outside a residence on South Baxter Street on November 30, 2021. He was born July 30, 1968, in Detroit and is survived by his mother, two sons Jordan Schimpf and Taron McLaurin, a daughter Santana Bean, four grandchildren, three brothers and five sisters; his father had predeceased him.

Police located a 33-year-old Lima resident, Paul Curtis Jr., using a GPS ankle monitor he was wearing. Curtis had been out on bond at the time, with earlier indictments for possession of cocaine, possession of a fentanyl-related compound and having weapons under disability. He was taken into custody and charged in connection with McLaurin’s death; assault charges were also filed relating to incidents at the county jail. During sentencing McLaurin’s sister Martina described him as kind and gentle.

Any readers who knew Sam, his movements that night, or saw activity on South Baxter Street on November 30, 2021, are encouraged to share information.