Lacey Claxton, 47, was found unresponsive with a gunshot wound on January 30, 2021, in the 800 block of West Thornton Street in Akron and was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation identified Princess Fitzgerald, 33, of Akron, as a person of interest; Fitzgerald was arrested in Columbus and extradited to Akron. Claxton’s car was recovered and investigators charged Fitzgerald with murder, having weapons under disability, motor vehicle theft, and tampering with evidence.

Reports say Fitzgerald and Claxton had a volatile relationship and a child in common. Fitzgerald later pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and related charges and received a sentence that included 11 to 16½ years for the manslaughter count, with additional time for the other charges. The case underscored rising homicide concerns in Akron following a record number of murders in 2020.

Did anyone in Akron know Claxton or have information about his movements in late January 2021?