TyLeia Junius was 14 when she was shot dead in Akron, Ohio, on June 4, 2020. A student in the Akron Public School District’s LEAP alternative program, she was described as a sweet, typical teenager. She was born November 6, 2005, to parents Jhovonne Taylor and Tywan D. Junius.

TyLeia and a 24-year-old man named Derail Whisenant were found shot in the 90 block of Brighton Drive and pronounced dead at the scene. TyLeia died of a gunshot wound to the chest; Derail died of a gunshot wound to the head. A 20-year-old man, Erick Sarzosa, was wounded in the leg and taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries; he was later charged with two counts of murder, obstructing official business, and tampering with evidence. Police said the victims were shot during a fight.

The Akron Public Schools community offered condolences as family and friends mourned TyLeia’s loss. If anyone knew TyLeia, Derail, or was in the area that night and has information, please come forward.