Akron Man Pleads Guilty to Cuyahoga Valley Park Shooting

Law enforcement has secured a guilty plea from DeZay M. Ely, 28, of Akron, Ohio, in the shocking shooting incident that occurred last summer within the serene confines of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The defendant, facing a host of charges, admitted to attempting murder when he shot a woman in the head on July 3, 2016.

Ely will stand before the court for sentencing on August 24th, charged with attempted murder, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of ammunition. The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, David A. Sierleja, emphasized that using a gun to commit such a heinous act in a national park is unacceptable.

Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office, praised the collaborative efforts between various law enforcement agencies and the public, which led to Ely’s accountability for this senseless crime. Attempted murder carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, while discharging a firearm during a crime of violence mandates at least 10 additional consecutive years.

Another suspect, Raymond T. Moore III, 27, also from Akron, is implicated in the shooting. His case remains pending as investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to the tragic incident.

The prosecution is led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly L. Galvin and Linda Barr, with support from the FBI, Cuyahoga Valley National Park Police, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Ely’s plea marks a significant milestone in this ongoing investigation, as justice seeks to be served for the innocent victim who survived the attack.

As this grim chapter unfolds, the Akron community awaits the outcome of Moore’s case, while law enforcement maintains its stance against violent crime within our national parks and public spaces.

RELATED: Ghoul Pleads Guilty to Thompson Family Harassment

RELATED: Ghoul Pleads Guilty to Tormenting Thompson Family