In Loving Memory of Tania and Jericho
The city of Akron is mourning the tragic loss of Tania and her 12-year-old son, Jericho, who were senselessly taken from us in a devastating act of violence on the evening of March 28, 2026. Their untimely deaths have left a void in the hearts of family, friends, and the broader community.
On that tragic Saturday night, Akron Police Department officers responded to a shooting near 30 West Wilbeth Road at approximately 8:10 p.m. Multiple 911 calls came into dispatch, including one from a courageous 49-year-old woman who fled the scene after being fired upon. Her bravery and the information she provided were pivotal in helping detectives identify the suspect, 28-year-old Brandon T. Casto, whose actions led to this heartbreaking tragedy.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found a vehicle that had crashed into the tree line on Hemlock Street, partially engulfed in flames. Inside, they discovered Jericho, a 12-year-old boy, who had sustained a gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased at the scene. His mother, Tania, 47, had also been shot. She was rushed to Cleveland Clinic – Akron General Medical Center but tragically succumbed to her injuries. Also in the vehicle was her 2-year-old son, who, though unharmed physically, was transported to Akron Children’s Hospital for precautionary care.
The loss of Tania and Jericho is incomprehensible. Tania was a devoted mother whose love for her children was evident in every action, every word, and every moment she spent with them. She embodied warmth, resilience, and dedication to her family, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her. Jericho, with the bright curiosity and innocence of youth, brought joy, laughter, and light to those around him. He was cherished deeply and will be remembered for the boundless energy and love he carried for life and family.
Detectives from the Akron Police Major Crimes Unit and Crime Scene Unit worked diligently at the scene and later executed a search warrant at an apartment connected to the suspect. During this search, multiple firearms, firearm accessories, and a significant amount of ammunition were recovered.
As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that the suspect had contemplated fleeing Akron. Thanks to the swift and coordinated efforts between Akron Police detectives and the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office, Brandon T. Casto turned himself in and is currently held at the Southeast Regional Jail in Nelsonville, Ohio. He has been charged with two counts of aggravated murder and two counts of felonious assault.
While no legal outcome can bring Tania and Jericho back, the community’s response has been one of unity, support, and reflection. Their lives, though tragically cut short, remind us of the importance of cherishing every moment with our loved ones and advocating for safety and justice within our communities.
As we grieve, we honor Tania and Jericho by remembering their laughter, their love, and the indelible mark they left on the hearts of those who knew them. In a world so often shadowed by loss, their memory remains a beacon of light, a testament to the enduring power of family, love, and community.
Tania and Jericho, may you rest in peace, forever remembered, forever loved
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