AKRON, Ohio — A heartbreaking act of violence has shaken the Akron community after a mother and her 12-year-old son were fatally shot Saturday evening. Authorities confirmed that a suspect is now in custody following a coordinated law enforcement effort that stretched across southeastern Ohio.
Police say officers responded around 8:10 p.m. to multiple emergency calls reporting gunfire near West Wilbeth Road. One of the callers, a 49-year-old woman, told dispatchers she had fled the scene after shots were fired in her direction. Her information would later prove critical in identifying the suspect.
When officers arrived, they discovered a vehicle that had crashed into a wooded area along Hemlock Street, just south of West Wilbeth Road. The vehicle was partially engulfed in flames. Inside, officers found a 12-year-old boy suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite emergency response efforts, the child was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 8:30 p.m.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as 47-year-old Tania Mangual of Barberton, was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries. She succumbed to her wounds just before 9 p.m. Also inside the vehicle was her 2-year-old son, who was unharmed. The toddler was taken to the hospital as a precaution and is reported to be safe.
The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office later identified the victims as Tania Mangual and her son, Jericho L. Mangual.
Investigators quickly developed leads following interviews with witnesses, including the woman who had called 911. Detectives identified 28-year-old Brandon T. Casto as the suspect. A search warrant was executed at an apartment connected to Casto, where officers recovered multiple firearms, firearm accessories, and a substantial quantity of ammunition.
According to investigators, Casto had reportedly contacted friends and indicated he intended to leave Akron following the shooting. Law enforcement agencies coordinated with authorities in Meigs County near the West Virginia border. Casto ultimately turned himself in at a sheriff’s office in southeast Ohio.
He is currently being held at the Southeast Regional Jail in Nelsonville and faces two counts of aggravated murder and two counts of felonious assault. Prosecutors are expected to pursue the case in coordination with local authorities.
Akron Police Chief Brian Harding described the incident as a “senseless act of violence” that has deeply affected the community. He praised officers and detectives for their swift response, evidence collection, and collaborative efforts that led to the suspect’s arrest.
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik also expressed sorrow over the tragedy, calling it a devastating loss for the city. He extended condolences to the victims’ loved ones and emphasized the city’s commitment to confronting violent crime.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact the Akron Police Department’s Detective Bureau.
The loss of a mother and her young son has left neighbors stunned and grieving, marking another painful chapter in the city’s struggle against violent crime.
