Statement of Mayor Horrigan on recent murders in Akron, including devastating murder of Na’kia Crawford
City of Akron Press Release
Published: 06-15-2020
Akron, Ohio, June 15, 2020 (2:30PM) — Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan has issued the following statement on the recent murder of Na’kia Crawford:
“Na’kia Crawford was a young woman who deserved a life and a future. She was a recent high school graduate, preparing to start the next chapter of her story at Central State University. Her senseless murder is devastating, not only to her family and friends, but to the entire Akron community. I spoke with Na'kia’s father and uncle, who I know, early this morning, and my heart truly goes out to all Na’kia’s loved ones in this time of incredible grief and pain. These events are extremely real and important to me and to the Akron Police detectives investigating Na’kia’s death,” Mayor Dan Horrigan said.
“I feel that it is essential to say clearly and loudly: Black lives matter. Na'kia Crawford’s life mattered.”
Akron Police Department detectives are actively investigating this crime, and collecting all relevant evidence. In general, City of Akron traffic cameras do not record any video; these devices only transmit real time traffic data. The City of Akron does not deploy red light cameras, and speed zone cameras are only used within school zones during school hours. APD is actively searching for other video footage from the time of the crime that may have captured the events or the suspect’s vehicle. APD is following up on reports that the suspect was a white male traveling in a black Mustang with tinted windows. Information and details are expected to continue to evolve as the active investigation continues.
Another murder occurred in Akron this weekend and Police are actively investigating this incident as well. 43-year old Brian Powers was found shot near downtown Akron. If you have any information related to the murders of Na’kia Crawford or Brian Powers, we urge you to please contact the Akron Police Department at (330) 375-2490.
