ATLANTA — Nearly two years after the fact, the family of 18-year-old Na'Kia Crawford may finally be getting a measure of justice.
The U.S. Marshals Service on Tuesday announced they have arrested the prime suspect in Crawford's June 2020 murder. Nineteen-year-old Adarus Black, whom police believe fired the shots that killed the Akron woman, was taken into custody today in Atlanta following a 20-month-long manhunt.
"I feel like a little justice has been served, but it's not going to bring my niece back," Crawford's aunt Devon Rivers told 3News Wednesday. "She was smart, outgoing, she was just a lovely person."
Crawford was driving with her grandmother on June 14, 2020, when someone opened fire on the vehicle between West North and North Howard Streets in Akron. She later died at Akron City Hospital, and at the time, officials could only identify a suspicious black sports car seen fleeing the area.
The case soon made national news, especially after NBA legend and Akron native LeBron James called for justice on social media. Eventually, police identified three suspects, and stated they believe the shooting was a case of "mistaken identity."
Both Jaion Bivins and Janisha George were arrested on charges of obstructing justice, but the alleged gunman Black remained at large, and Bivins and George each had their charges dismissed last year as the case stalled (they could still be charged again). Authorities followed potential leads all over the United States before finally locating Black in Georgia, presumably under a fake name.
Northern Ohio Marshals were able to spot Black leaving an Atlanta apartment Tuesday afternoon, and members of the Sandy Springs Police Department's SWAT Team helped initiate a traffic stop moments later. Black was captured with an AR-style weapon on his person, according to officials.
"This hits home for our guys that traveled to Atlanta to work this case," Marshal Anne Murphy said, adding that two Akron police officers were able to be in Atlanta for the arrest. "We were all relieved ... to be able to put the handcuffs on him and say 'We are finally done with this. Adarus Black is no longer free to run the streets of Akron again or Atlanta again and he's behind bars.'"
Sources have told 3News that Black, who was 17 at the time of Crawford's death, has a lengthy history in the juvenile justice system. He currently remains in Georgia while police await the go-ahead to extradite him back to Summit County.
"I kind of feel sorry for him, I won't even lie," Rivers admitted. "But his actions are what got him here."
Below are statements from local leaders regarding Black's arrest:
Marshal Pete Elliot
"Members of the task force and the Akron Police Department never gave up on this case. They knew that this suspect couldn’t hide forever and we knew we would have him in custody. This arrest will not bring Ms. Crawford back to her family but hopefully they find some peace knowing this suspect is behind bars."
Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan
"Na'kia Crawford's name is one that has remained on our minds since June of 2020 when her life was senselessly taken. Na'kia had her whole life ahead of her and her future was certainly bright. Her death sent shockwaves through our entire community, and I know I speak for the City when I say, we are grateful to see an arrest made in this case.
"This arrest would not have been possible without the dedication of our Akron Police Department and their collaboration with a variety of law enforcement agencies across the nation. I'd specifically like to thank U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott and the U.S. Marshals Service, the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, and the Sandy Springs Police Department's SWAT Team for their collaboration and commitment to this case.
"I hope that this arrest can lead to justice for Na'kia and my thoughts and prayers are with the entire Crawford family at this time."
Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett
"I know Na'kia’s loss has left an unfillable void in the hearts of the Crawford family and all those who love her. There are so many lives Na'kia touched in her short life that miss her every day. Her loss has impacted the entire Akron community. It was our commitment from the beginning to bring the person(s) responsible to account for their actions. I believe the arrest of the primary suspect yesterday delivered on that commitment. However, we will not be satisfied until a conviction is delivered for anyone who played a role in Na'kia's death."
More Na'Kia Crawford coverage: