Two Lives Lost: Jericho and Tania Mangual Killed in Horrific Akron Shooting, Suspect in Custody

 A shocking act of violence has left the Akron community in mourning after a mother and her 12-year-old son were fatally shot inside a vehicle, sparking a multi-agency investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The incident occurred on the evening of March 28, 2026, near 30 West Wilbeth Road, when multiple 911 calls reported gunfire and a vehicle crash. Responding officers discovered a car that had collided with a tree line on Hemlock Street, partially engulfed in flames, creating a chaotic and frightening scene for first responders and nearby residents.

Inside the vehicle, authorities found 12-year-old Jericho L. Mangual suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite immediate attention, he was pronounced dead at approximately 8:34 p.m. The driver, identified as 47-year-old Tania Mangual, was also shot and transported to Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries at 8:50 p.m. A two-year-old child who was in the car at the time miraculously escaped physical harm but was taken to Akron Children’s Hospital for precautionary evaluation, highlighting the harrowing impact on surviving family members.

Witness accounts detailed the intensity of the crash, with flames emanating from the vehicle’s engine and fire consuming parts of the surrounding area. Charred ground and scorched branches painted a vivid picture of the fire’s force, illustrating how quickly the scene escalated from a shooting into a life-threatening emergency. Residents nearby described the terrifying moments as emergency crews arrived, underscoring the suddenness and severity of the incident.

Investigators were able to quickly identify a suspect following information from a 49-year-old woman who called 911, reporting that she had been shot and fled the scene. This crucial lead directed authorities toward 28-year-old Brandon T. Casto, who was later linked to the fatal shooting through additional evidence. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at a connected apartment, recovering multiple firearms, accessories, and a substantial quantity of ammunition, which reinforced the seriousness of the investigation and raised questions about Casto’s intentions.

Casto later turned himself in voluntarily in Meigs County, more than 100 miles from Akron, signaling the end of an initial manhunt and allowing authorities to secure him in custody at the Southeast Regional Jail in Nelsonville. He faces two counts of aggravated murder and two counts of felonious assault. At this time, law enforcement has not publicly released a motive or explained Casto’s relationship to the Mangual family, leaving many questions unanswered for the community still grappling with shock and grief.

The Akron Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit continues to lead the investigation, meticulously reviewing evidence, witness statements, and forensic findings to determine the full sequence of events that led to this tragic loss. Authorities emphasized the importance of thorough investigative procedures in cases of this magnitude, particularly when children and family members are directly involved.

Community leaders and residents have expressed deep sorrow for the Mangual family, highlighting the profound emotional toll such violent incidents have on local neighborhoods. Support services have been encouraged for those affected, including counseling and crisis response, as families attempt to process the sudden and violent loss of loved ones. The deaths of Jericho and Tania Mangual serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of families to acts of gun violence and the importance of community vigilance.

As the investigation progresses, officials are urging anyone with additional information to come forward, reinforcing that public cooperation is crucial in resolving complex cases. While questions remain about the motive and circumstances, the quick identification and surrender of the suspect have enabled authorities to focus on uncovering the full story, ensuring justice for the Mangual family, and preventing further tragedy in the Akron community.