CANTON, Ohio — A deadly shooting Wednesday evening in Canton has left a 20-year-old Massillon man dead and resulted in the arrest of four suspects, police confirmed. Officers responded to the 600 block of Alan Page Drive SE around 5:25 p.m. on January 28 after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire near the Skyline Terrace Apartments.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found a young man lying outside the apartment complex suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso. Canton Fire Department paramedics rushed the victim to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, where he later died despite life-saving efforts. Police identified the victim as Ta Shaun M. Smith, 20, of Massillon.
According to Canton Police Chief John Gabbard, officers quickly began searching the area following the shooting. Investigators were able to locate several suspects inside a nearby building. All four individuals were taken into custody without incident as detectives worked to secure the scene and collect evidence related to the shooting.
Police identified the primary suspect as 18-year-old Niko Marshall of Canton. Marshall has been charged with murder, felonious assault, having weapons under disability, and a probation violation. A second suspect, Nathaniel Sanford, 33, of Sherrodsville, has been charged with murder and tampering with evidence in connection to the case.
Two additional suspects were also arrested on related charges. De Iveon J. Newman, 19, of Massillon, is charged with receiving stolen property, while Kymani James, 20, also of Massillon, is charged with tampering with evidence. Police have not released details about how each suspect is believed to be connected to the shooting.
Investigators have not yet disclosed what led up to the gunfire or whether Smith was specifically targeted. The Canton Police Department said the investigation remains active, and additional charges could be filed as detectives continue reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses.
Police are asking anyone who may have information about the shooting to contact the Canton Police Detective Bureau at 330-489-3144 or the Canton Communications Center at 330-649-5800. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Tip411 or Stark County Crime Stoppers. As the investigation continues, family members and friends are mourning the loss of Ta Shaun M. Smith, whose life was cut short in a tragic act of violence.
