Three suspects believed to be connected to the homicide of an Ohio teenager Sunday have been identified by the Akron Police Department (APD) on Thursday.
Authorities have signed a murder warrant for 17-year-old Adarus Black from Lakemore, according to a news release from the APD.
The two other individuals, 18-year-old Jaion Bivins from Akron, and 24-year-old Janisha George from Tallmadge, have warrants for obstructing justice, police said. Bivins has an additional warrant for tampering with evidence.
Police also added that as the investigation develops further, additional charges will be possible.
Early Friday morning, an official with the department confirmed George turned herself in with her attorney, local outlet Cleveland19 reported. She has been charged with obstructing justice and is currently cooperating with authorities, police said.
Akron Deputy Chief Jesse Leeser said police think the victim, 18-year-old Na’kia Crawford, was accidentally targeted as there are no indications she knew any of the suspects.
“Na’Kia Crawford was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Leeser said during a virtual news conference.
Police released photos of all three and asked anyone with information on the suspects to contact the APD. A reward is also being offered of up to $5,000 by Crimestoppers for information leading to any arrests, according to a separate release.
Black allegedly shot and killed Crawford and has been charged with murder. Responding officers found Crawford critically injured inside her vehicle at the intersection of North Howard Street and West North Street on June 14 with multiple gunshot wounds.
She was transferred to Akron City hospital where she later died from her injuries on Monday. Her grandmother was a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the shooting and was not injured, according to the release.
Police discovered the black Chevy Camaro Crawford was driving at the time she was shot on Wednesday. The vehicle was abandoned in Cleveland and located and taken to the APD for processing.
Police said the investigation “accelerated from that point.” APD officials are asking for the two other suspects, who they believe are still in the area, to contact them to arrange to have themselves turned in.
“Nothing will bring Na’kia Crawford back, but I hope this will bring some small peace to the family and friends of Na’kia Crawford,” Leeser said.
A GoFundMe page was established for Crawford to cover funeral and burial expenses, and to assist the family in the days to come as they continue to seek justice.
Crawford had just graduated from North High School in Akron and was looking forward to continuing her studies in computer engineering, according to the page. She already had been offered an academic scholarship at Central State University.
CNN Wire contributed to this report.
