Police Chief Says No Evidence Killing Of Ethan Liming A Hate Crime
By Amanda Prestigiacomo
Akron Police Chief Stephen Mylett said last week that the department’s investigation into the fatal beating of 17-year-old Ethan Liming found no evidence that the killing was a hate crime.
Ethan, who is white, was reportedly beaten to death near basketball courts of NBA star and political activist LeBron James’ I PROMISE School in Akron on June 2. Since the incident, three black males — Donovon Jones, 21; Tyler Stafford, 19; and Deshawn Stafford Jr., 20 — have been arrested in connection to the boy’s death.
Mylett “confirmed new details Wednesday and said there is no evidence the murder was a hate crime,” Cleveland 19 reported.
“I am happy to report that today, officers with the Akron Police Department, made several arrests in connection with the death of Ethan Liming,” the police chief said in a statement.
“We thank the members of the community for their outpouring of support that helped investigators throughout this investigation,” he continued. “We will continue to follow any leads that will result in bringing those responsible for Ethan’s death to justice.”