Brandon T. Casto Arrested After Killing Tania Mangual and 12-Year-Old Son Jericho L. Mangual in Akron Shooting

An Ohio man has been arrested after allegedly killing an Akron mother and her 12-year-old son in a shooting on Saturday night. Brandon T. Casto, 28, was taken into custody less than 24 hours after the fatal shooting near Firestone Stadium.

The incident occurred around 8:10 p.m. near 30 West Wilbeth Road, across from the stadium. Police were called to the area after receiving multiple 911 reports of gunfire. Officers found a vehicle that had crashed into the tree line on Hemlock Street, which was also partially on fire.

Inside the car, officers discovered 12-year-old Jericho L. Mangual, who had been shot. He was pronounced dead at the scene around 8:34 p.m. His mother, 47-year-old Tania Mangual, was also found inside the vehicle, critically wounded. Despite efforts to transport her to the hospital, she died from her injuries at Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center around 8:50 p.m.

A 2-year-old boy, Tania’s other child, was found unharmed inside the car and was taken to Akron Children’s Hospital as a precaution.

Investigation and Arrest of Suspect

Authorities later identified Brandon T. Casto as the suspect in the shooting. The investigation began when dispatchers received a call from Tania, who had fled the scene after being shot. She provided critical information that led to the identification of Casto.

A search warrant was executed at an apartment connected to Casto, where police discovered several firearms, firearm accessories, and a significant amount of ammunition. It was revealed that Casto had reportedly told friends he was fleeing Akron.

Casto, who was over 100 miles away from Akron, eventually surrendered to authorities in Meigs County. He is currently being held at the Southeast Regional Jail in Nelsonville, facing two counts of aggravated murder and two counts of felonious assault. Police have not released a motive for the shooting or Casto’s connection to the Mangual family.

Community Impact and Law Enforcement Response

A growing memorial has appeared at the crash site, where local residents have placed candles and a white teddy bear in remembrance of the victims. Community members have expressed shock and grief over the senseless tragedy.

Chief of Police Brian Harding spoke about the devastating impact on the Akron community:

“This senseless act of violence left a mother and her 12-year-old son dead and has deeply impacted our community. Tragedies like this extend far beyond those directly involved and affect people throughout Akron. I commend our officers for their coordinated response and dedication, which helped quickly identify the suspect. Our detectives worked swiftly to gather evidence and coordinate with the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office to bring Casto into custody.”

Harding also praised the efforts of Akron police officers in managing the situation and identifying the suspect quickly.

Ongoing Investigation

Detectives with the Akron Police Major Crimes Unit continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The motive remains unclear, and authorities have asked anyone with additional information to come forward.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip.

Official Statements

Mayor Shammas Malik also expressed his condolences and gratitude for the work of local law enforcement:

“I am heartbroken by the tragic loss of a 47-year-old woman and her 12-year-old son in this devastating act of violence. My thoughts are with their loved ones during this unimaginable time, and I am grateful the infant present was not physically harmed. I want to thank our Akron Fire and Akron Police personnel for their swift work both on the scene and during the initial investigation. I am glad that the perpetrator of these murders has been arrested and charged. We owe it to the victims in this shooting, and to the victims in all violent incidents, to confront the evils of violence head-on, and that is what we will continue to do.”