A tragic domestic incident in Akron has left two people dead after police say a man fatally shot his girlfriend before taking his own life. The victims were discovered late Saturday night, Nov 21, inside a home at 1253 Dietz Avenue, where officers responded to a report of gunfire.
According to law enforcement officials, 45-year-old Shanel Greer was found deceased inside the residence with fatal gunshot wounds. Nearby, officers located an adult male identified as James Sanders, known locally in Akron as “Bubba James,” who was also found with what authorities described as “obvious gunshot trauma.” Both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene.
Initial investigations indicate that Greer and Sanders were in a relationship at the time of the incident. Detectives believe the case is a murder–suicide, with Sanders shooting Greer before turning the gun on himself. The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office will finalize autopsy results.
Neighbors described the scene as overwhelming as police, investigators, and emergency personnel filled the normally quiet street. Detectives from Akron Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit processed the home throughout the day, gathering evidence and interviewing neighbors and potential witnesses.
Authorities have not reported any previous police activity between the couple, though investigators are continuing to review the history of the relationship and any possible warning signs that may have preceded the violence.
The tragic event adds to the growing number of domestic-related fatalities in Ohio this year, prompting renewed calls from community leaders for expanded support systems, intervention resources, and domestic-violence awareness efforts.
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