On the evening of May 4, 2026, a dispute at the Noisy Oyster Pub on North Portage Path in Akron, Ohio, ended in gunfire that killed 31-year-old Eric Schaffer. A Cuyahoga Falls resident, Schaffer was described by family and friends as a lifelong area native who loved sports, especially basketball, worked as a bookkeeper and was active at Holy Family Catholic Church. First responders arrived about 8:14 p.m. and found patrons attempting to render aid; Schaffer was transported to Cleveland Clinic Akron General and died there at 8:49 p.m. The Summit County Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide.

A 35-year-old man was also shot in the legs and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect fled on foot; officers recovered discarded clothing and video from nearby residences and used K9 and drone resources in the search. At about 11:21 p.m. that night, 28-year-old Larnell Nealy Jr. surrendered to authorities at the Summit County Jail and was taken into custody and charged with murder and felonious assault. Investigators were working to determine whether Schaffer and Nealy knew each other and what provoked the argument.

Does anyone who knew Eric or was at the Noisy Oyster Pub that night have information that could help clarify what led to the shooting?