AKRON, Ohio — The City of Akron has announced that they have relaunched a critical information website to provide updates to residents throughout the Jayland Walker grand jury proceedings.
Akron Updates was originally launched during the summer of 2022 as a spot for the City of Akron to provide critical safety updates following the officer-involved shooting. Since, the website has been rebuilt to meet the needs of the community during the ever-evolving situation.
Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan announced on Tuesday, April 4, that the grand jury will be seated next week by the Ohio Attorney General. The grand jury will hear evidence involving the death of Jayland Walker
“The City of Akron has been preparing for the grand jury results since last summer,” said Chief Communications Officer Stephanie Marsh. “The most important part of our preparation has been building relationships with our community members and establishing better lines of communication. Over the last few weeks, we’ve attended dozens of community meetings to help explain the grand jury process with residents, business owners, local leaders, and beyond. We are committed at every step of the way to transparently provide critical safety information and resources to our residents and this website will be a helpful tool in that regard.”
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video at the top of the story previously aired on 3News on April 5, 2023.
The website will give residents information on the following:
• Grand Jury Explanation and Information
• Mental Health Resources
• Information on Upcoming Demonstration Zone
• Real-Time Road Closure Information
• Press Conference(s) and Releases
• Critical, Real-Time Downtown Safety Updates
• Social Media Links
• Akron Police Department Transparency Hub
• and Additional Information
“We worked tirelessly to get this site live and ensure it would be a vital resource for Akronites,” said Jake Bell, Communications and Media Supervisor. “However, this is just one part of what we are doing to keep residents informed. I encourage everyone to bookmark this site, share it with their friends, family, and colleagues. We will also be communicating via our social media channels over the coming weeks.”
Officials also noted that the City of Akron will host a Facebook livestream on Friday, April 7 at 12:30 p.m. where Chief City Prosecutor Craig Morgan will explain the grand jury process and answer questions.
The presentation of evidence to a grand jury marks the next step following the death of Walker on June 27, 2022, following a police pursuit that ended with eight officers firing roughly 90 rounds at the 25-year-old. The Summit County Medical Examiner determined there were 46 graze or entrance wounds on Walker's body, and the situation prompted controversy and outcry both in Akron and around the country.
The officers involved, who were placed on leave before being brought back on duty in an "administrative capacity," claimed Walker fired a gun out his car window as he fled. Investigators said they did find a weapon inside Walker's vehicle, but stated he was not armed when he was shot.
BCI quickly took over the inquiry, with Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost pledging his team would conduct themselves in a "objective, professional, and independent" manner. This past January, Yost's office had said the investigation had already taken more than 1,100 hours.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on March 28, 2023.
3News' Ben Axelrod contributed to this report.