An Ohio man recently released from prison after being convicted in the beating death of 17-year-old Ethan Liming has been arrested again, this time for murder. Deshawn Stafford, 24, is now facing charges for the death of 25-year-old Timothy Hutchinson, who was shot during a gunfight involving Stafford and another person.
Hutchinson, an engineer, was reportedly struck unintentionally during the exchange of gunfire. In addition to the murder charge, Stafford is also charged with felonious assault, discharging a firearm on a public roadway, having a weapon while under disability, drug trafficking, and possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.
A GoFundMe page set up by Hutchinson’s sister highlights his recent graduation from the mechanical engineering program at the University of Akron. She described her brother as someone who valued family and friends, and expressed deep sorrow over his loss, attributing it to "senseless violence." She shared a touching memory of Hutchinson’s last moments, noting he was bending down to ask if he could pet a dog.
Just two years ago, Stafford was found guilty of aggravated assault and assault in connection with Liming’s death. He received a relatively short sentence of 18 months in prison. Initially charged with murder in that case, Stafford’s charges were later reduced, which raised concerns about the criminal justice system’s handling of the situation. The case drew significant attention, particularly due to the racial dynamics involved; Liming was white, while Stafford and the others charged were black.
Following Stafford’s latest arrest, Daily Wire host Matt Walsh criticized the leniency shown in Stafford’s previous sentencing, questioning how long communities would be affected by such violence. His comments reflect ongoing frustrations regarding crime and justice in the area.
As the community mourns Hutchinson’s tragic death, many are left wondering about the implications of Stafford’s actions and the broader issues surrounding violent crime and accountability.
