In the early hours of Thursday, May 8, 2025, the usually quiet city of Canton, Ohio, was rocked by an unthinkable tragedy. A 21-year-old man, Stephon Dunn, was fatally shot outside the Broadway Food & Liquor store located on the 2000 block of Broadway Street, just after midnight. Dunn, a well-known figure in the local community, was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds and was later pronounced dead at the scene. The city, which had previously experienced a relatively low crime rate, has been thrown into turmoil, leaving the community grieving and in shock. Authorities quickly launched an investigation and identified 18-year-old Malachi Lee-Shawn Fortner as a key suspect. Fortner remains at large, and law enforcement agencies are actively searching for him.
The tragic event has left the local community in a state of disbelief and sadness. Dunn, who was known for his vibrant personality and active involvement in local events, was seen as a positive influence on the area. Friends and loved ones have described him as a young man full of potential, with aspirations and a bright future ahead of him. His untimely death has left a deep wound in the hearts of his family and the community. Dunn’s parents have publicly expressed their heartbreak and the profound impact this loss has had on their lives. They have called for justice, working closely with authorities to ensure the person responsible is held accountable.
While the focus has been on the life lost, the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear. Police have not yet released specific details about what led to the confrontation between Dunn and Fortner. However, initial reports suggest that the incident was the result of a dispute that escalated quickly into violence. The motive behind the shooting has yet to be determined, and law enforcement is piecing together evidence to establish the full sequence of events leading to the tragic outcome.
Local authorities, including the Canton Police Department and other law enforcement agencies, have been working tirelessly to locate Malachi Lee-Shawn Fortner. A manhunt is underway, with police urging the public to come forward with any information that may assist in the investigation. Authorities have released a description of the suspect, who is described as an 18-year-old male with a slender build. A photo of Fortner has been shared, and law enforcement is hopeful that someone in the community will recognize him and provide vital tips to help capture him.
Fortner is facing serious charges, including murder and aggravated assault, in connection to Dunn’s death. If apprehended, he will face the legal consequences of his actions, and the community is hopeful that justice will prevail. However, as of now, Fortner remains at large, and the search continues. There is a sense of urgency as the public waits for answers and seeks closure for the victim and his family.
The impact of this tragedy extends beyond the immediate family of Dunn. Canton residents, many of whom knew Dunn personally, have been left reeling from the shock of his death. The shooting has sparked conversations about safety and the need for greater vigilance in the community. Local leaders have called for unity and support for Dunn’s family during this difficult time, while also advocating for measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
At a vigil held in honor of Dunn, family members, friends, and community members gathered to remember the young man’s life and to offer support to his grieving loved ones. The vigil served as an opportunity to reflect on the loss of a vibrant young man and the impact of violence on a community. Speakers at the vigil emphasized the need for peace and justice, while also recognizing the importance of coming together in times of tragedy.
Several local organizations, including the Canton Police Department and community groups, have encouraged residents to get involved in the investigation. They have stressed the importance of public participation in solving the case, as even the smallest detail could lead to a breakthrough. As the search for Fortner continues, community members are urged to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist law enforcement.
In addition to the immediate investigation, the tragic shooting has drawn attention to the broader issue of gun violence in Canton and beyond. Local advocacy groups have used this tragedy to call for stronger measures to address gun-related crimes and to provide better support for at-risk youth. The loss of Dunn has highlighted the devastating consequences of violence and the need for proactive efforts to ensure public safety.
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, and authorities continue to work diligently to uncover all the facts surrounding the incident. Law enforcement is reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing evidence to determine the full scope of the events that led to Dunn’s death. Police have also promised to keep the community informed and engaged as the investigation progresses.
While the legal process moves forward, the pain and grief felt by Dunn’s family and the community are undeniable. Dunn’s parents, friends, and loved ones are left to cope with the loss of a young man with so much promise, taken too soon. The memory of Dunn’s positive influence on his community, his family, and his friends will endure, and his untimely death serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life.
As Canton continues to mourn, there is hope that justice will be served and that the community will heal in the wake of this tragedy. The pursuit of answers and accountability remains at the forefront, with the community standing united in support of Dunn’s family. The investigation continues, and the search for Fortner remains a top priority for local authorities.
The murder of Stephon Dunn has not only caused immense sorrow but has also sparked a larger conversation about crime, gun violence, and public safety. The residents of Canton are determined to ensure that this tragedy leads to meaningful changes that will protect future generations. As the investigation unfolds, the city remains hopeful that justice will be served, and the community will find a way to move forward while honoring the memory of a young man whose life was taken far too soon.
