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3 indicted in connection with shooting death of 7-year-old boy at Knights Inn in Stark County

William Dolch, the father of the 7-year-old boy, faces charges including tampering with evidence, endangering children and reckless homicide.

STARK COUNTY, Ohio — Three people have been indicted in connection with a deadly shooting that killed a 7-year-old boy at a Knights Inn in Stark County, including the child's father, who has been identified as William Brent Dolch.

The charges in the June 21 incident are listed as follows: 

William Brent Dolch 

  • Reckless homicide
  • Endangering children
  • Tampering with evidence
  • Having weapons under disability

Brittany Franko 

  • Obstruction official business 

Joseph Edwin King 

  • Tampering with evidence 

During an arraignment hearing on Friday, Dolch pleaded not guilty and is being held on a $750,000 bond. In addition, King pleaded not guilty and is being held on a $250,000 bond. 

Franko is currently out on bond and will be arraigned on Sept. 6 at 8:30 a.m. 

DETAILS OF THE CASE

Dolch, 37, of Akron, was arrested in the 2700 block of 8th Street NW in Canton hours after the deadly June 21 shooting.

The Stark County Sheriff’s Office says it was around 1 a.m. when deputies responded to the scene at the Knights Inn, which is located in the 3900 block of Convenience Circle NW in Plain Township.

Authorities also arrested 29-year-old Franko, of Canton, with complicity to commit reckless homicide, endangering children and obstructing official business.

In a 911 call after the incident, Franko had identified the victim as her son.

"I was just sitting here, we were folding a blanket and then he was standing and getting ready to brush his teeth for the night,” according to the 911 call. “I don't what happened, I don't know where it came from or anything.”

The boy was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died.

“This was a tragic incident that affects the entire community,” said Stark County Sheriff George T. Maier. “I commend our Deputies, Marshalls with the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force and other community partners for working together to quickly identify and charge those responsible.”

3News' Ryan Haidet contributed to this report. 

    

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