Devonte McCurdy was 25 when he was shot and killed in Ashtabula, Ohio, on July 25, 2014. The shooting reportedly involved an AK-47 assault rifle and left McCurdy dead following a violent altercation.

Police arrested 34-year-old Jermaine Ruth of Ashtabula and charged him with McCurdy’s murder. Evidence presented during preliminary hearings included witness testimony and investigation of the scene; the case was bound over to Ashtabula County Common Pleas Court for further proceedings. Ruth was also linked to drug activity and pleaded guilty to a fifth-degree felony trafficking in heroin charge in Ashtabula County Court, forfeiting a 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass tied to the transaction.

The case drew attention because of the weapon involved and the connection to narcotics. Anyone who knew Devonte McCurdy or who has information about the shooting or related drug activity is asked to come forward.