Phillip Lee Harris, 75, was fatally shot late on the night of March 24, 2025, inside the Old Landmark Tavern at 5224 Ridge Ave. SE in Canton Township. The shooting happened at approximately 11:46 p.m.; Harris was taken by Canton Township Fire Department to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital and pronounced dead at 12:32 a.m. on March 25. His body was sent to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy.

Stark County Sheriff’s Office investigators say the killing grew out of a verbal dispute among several patrons that turned physical before shots were fired. A 26-year-old man, Samuel D. Shank of Canton, was arrested and charged with murder; officials have not disclosed a motive or any prior connection between Harris and Shank. Harris, a longtime Canton resident, had a Chihuahua with him; the dog was found in his vehicle and is now in the custody of the Sheriff’s Office.

Anyone who was at the Old Landmark Tavern that night or who has information about the altercation is asked to contact the Stark County Sheriff’s Office or the Anonymous Crime Tip Line.