AKRON, Ohio — Akron police released images of a vehicle that detectives believe may have been involved in the homicide of 18-year-old Na’Kia Crawford Sunday afternoon.
Police describe the vehicle as a black sports car with dark window tint.
On Sunday around 1:25 p.m., police were called to the intersection of North Howard Street and East North Street where they found Crawford inside of her vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds.
Crawford was transported to Summa Akron City Hospital where she later died from her injuries. Her grandmother was in the car with her at the time of the shooting, but was uninjured, police said.
On Monday afternoon, several family members and friends gathered at the scene of the crime, held up signs, chanted for justice and, at times, blocked traffic.
Investigators believe the shots came from the sports car and struck Crawford while she was driving.
No arrests have been made at this time. The homicide remains under investigation.
Family members said Crawford was taking her grandmother to the bank at the time of the deadly shooting.
"My niece was very, very caring, loving and she was smart and beautiful. She did not deserve this," said Kelly Hardwick, the victim's aunt.
Crawford's uncle, Tyrell Fletcher, urged anyone with information on the murder to come forward with information, including the killer.
"Just turn yourself in. We need justice for my niece. It's not right. It's not fair. She had a lot going for herself and someone took it away," Fletcher said.
Crawford graduated from Akron North High School last week and planned to study computer technology at Central State University in the fall.
"A student like this, it's just too young. It just breaks all of our hearts and we just send our prayers to her family," said North High Principal Kim Sabetta.
Lt. Michael Miller said the shooting appeared to be random and did not stem from a road rage incident.
"We don't have anything at this stage to suggest the victim was targeted specifically because of her race. It's too early to tell," Miller said.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting or the vehicle shown above is asked to call police at 330-375-2490 or Summit County Crimestoppers at 330-434-COPS.
The family plans to offer a $20,000 reward for information that leads to the killer. On top of that, Summit County Crimestoppers is offering a reward up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest and indictment.
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