PAINESVILLE, Ohio — Four people, including two teens, have been arrested in connection with last month’s shooting death of an Ashtabula County man in Painesville that police say “deeply shook” the community.
Zy’avier Jackson, 23, Aviantae Atterberry, 20, Solomon Gaston, 19, and Avion Gaines, 18, all of Painesville, are being held in the Lake County Jail without bond, according to a police news release. The four suspects were arraigned Thursday.
Court records show all are facing numerous charges, including aggravated murder, murder, conspiracy to commit aggravated murder, complicity to murder and complicity to aggravated murder.
The four suspects are accused of being involved in the fatal shooting of Wyllyam Sheffey Jr., 20, on June 7. Sheffey Jr. was found dead in the driver’s seat of a vehicle at the intersection of North State Street and Rockwood Drive after the shooting occurred at about 8 p.m.
The shooting occurred not far from a downtown block party that was being held that night. No details have been released on a possible motive, although police said earlier the shooting was “not a random act of violence.”
“The incident, which deeply shook our community and sparked widespread concern, has been a top priority for the Painesville Police Department,” a news release says. “Our detectives and officers worked around the clock, combing through evidence, conducting interviews and utilizing advanced investigative techniques to identify and apprehend the suspects.”
Police thanked the victim’s family and city residents for “their patience, cooperation and support.”
“The Painesville Police Department understands how anxious and unsettled our residents have felt,” the release says. “These arrests are a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice by our detectives that goes on behind the scenes.”
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.