Nathaniel M. Stokes was 21 and from Canton, Ohio, when he was found with a gunshot wound on August 20, 2019. He was discovered in the 1200 block of Nelson Place NE after a shots-fired alert around 1:30 a.m. and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at Aultman Hospital.

A 16-year-old from Akron, Na'Quann Ware, was arrested and charged with murder, felonious assault, and improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle. The case was transferred from juvenile court to adult court. Ware’s defense maintained he acted in self-defense, while prosecutors said shots were fired into the residence where Stokes was located.

Five other people were charged with obstructing the investigation, accused of lying about key facts, moving Stokes’ body, and attempting to clean the scene. No question remains about the loss suffered by the family; anyone who knew Nathaniel or has information about that night is asked to come forward.