A 47-year-old mother and her 12-year-old son are dead, and a 28-year-old man is facing felony charges following a shooting in Akron on Saturday night, according to Akron Police Lt. Michael Murphy.
Murphy said other 911 calls were received at around 8:10 p.m. to report a shooting, including one from a 49-year-old woman who said she fled the area after being fired at by the suspect.
The woman later offered authorities information that helped identify the 28-year-old suspect, Brandon T. Casto. The lieutenant stated that he faces two counts of aggravated murder and two counts of felonious assault.
Officers responded at 30 West Wilbeth Rd., which is across the street from Firestone Stadium and near Firestone’s corporate site. When they arrived, they discovered a car that had slammed into a tree on Hemlock Street, just south of West Wilbeth, Murphy said.
According to the lieutenant, the car was partially on fire when cops discovered 12-year-old Jericho L. Mangual inside, injured by a gunshot. He was pronounced deceased at the spot.
His 47-year-old mother, Tania Mangual, the driver, was also shot and transferred to Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, where she died from her injuries, Murphy said.
The woman’s 2-year-old son was also in the car and, while unharmed, was transferred to Akron Children’s Hospital as a precaution, Murphy said.
A News 5 crew arrived on the site Saturday night and observed a tow truck leaving with a huge SUV attached. The SUV suffered front-end damage and broken windows.
On Sunday, News 5 spoke with a man named Sonny who lives about a block from the crime scene.
“Sonny reported hearing multiple gunshots Saturday night.””Pop, pop, pop, pop,” Sonny continued, recounting what he heard. “As I was coming out, I noticed a truck right there. It began to catch fire. And on my way to work, I noticed the police coming down the street and everything.”
According to Akron Police Chief Brian Hardy, detectives from the Major Crimes Unit and the Crime Scene Unit processed the scene. Detectives obtained a search warrant at an apartment related to Casto and discovered many firearms, firearm attachments, and a big cache of ammunition.
According to Murphy, the investigation advanced, and police discovered that Casto had contacted associates, indicating that he would depart Akron. APD detectives then worked with the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office, where Casto eventually turned himself in.
He is being held in the Southeast Regional Jail in Nelsonville, Ohio.
The superintendent of Baberton City Schools sent a letter to students and educators on Sunday evening:
The Barberton City Schools family is saddened to learn of the tragic news involving the Mangual family. Although the District is on Spring Break next week, we want our Barberton City Schools and Barberton Middle School families to know that counseling services and support will be available for any students or staff who may need assistance during this difficult time.
Members of the Barberton Community Wellness Collaborative, along with school staff, will be available on Tuesday, March 31, and Wednesday, April 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Barberton Middle School.
Our thoughts are with the Mangual family and all those impacted by this heartbreaking situation.
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