Crime
Akron Police Investigating Murder-Suicide in Highland Square Neighborhood
AKRON, OH – Authorities are investigating an apparent murder-suicide after a man and woman were found dead inside a Highland Square residence Monday night.
According to the Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office, 44-year-old Jessica Leigh Violand of Elyria died from a gunshot wound to the head.
Investigators determined that she was fatally shot by 26-year-old Elliot Hareem Altesa of Akron, who then turned the gun on himself.
Akron police responded to the residence in the 20 block of South Highland Avenue at approximately 7:30 p.m. after receiving a welfare check request.
A concerned individual had contacted police, reporting that they had been unable to reach Violand for several hours.
Upon arrival, officers entered the apartment and discovered both Violand and Altesa deceased in a bedroom.
They were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not released details regarding a potential motive for the incident, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact Akron Police Department detectives at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2TIP.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Summit County Crimestoppers by calling 330-434-COPS, texting TIPSCO to 274637, or using the Akron PD app via www.AkronCops.org.
Gastonia, NC – A pregnant juvenile mother, identified as Alyssa Raine, tragically lost her unborn child, and two other individuals sustained injuries following a shooting at a Gastonia hotel, according to the Gastonia Police Department.
Authorities reported that the incident occurred just before 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, at a hotel located in the 1700 block of Broadcast Street.
Upon arrival, officers discovered three victims suffering from gunshot wounds, including Raine, whose unborn child did not survive due to the injuries sustained in the shooting.
The other two victims were identified as a man from Mooresboro and a woman from Kings Mountain.
Both suffered non-life-threatening injuries and received medical treatment.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under active investigation, and authorities have not yet disclosed whether a suspect has been identified or taken into custody.
Detectives continue to examine evidence and urge anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward.
The investigation remains ongoing.