UPDATE: Two suspects have been indicted for murder following a tragic shooting at a Bath Township Airbnb party that left one dead and several injured. Derquan Edwards, 18, and Jashawn Stewart, 19, each face 17 charges, including murder and felonious assault, stemming from the chaos that erupted during a birthday celebration on November 2, 2023.
The deadly incident occurred shortly after midnight when Elijah Wells, 18, was shot multiple times, suffering eight gunshot wounds. He succumbed to his injuries on November 6. The party reportedly attracted 250 to 300 attendees, overwhelming local law enforcement as they responded to the violence.
Bath Township Police Chief Vito Sinopoli is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward, emphasizing the community’s role in seeking justice. As the case unfolds, Edwards and Stewart remain in custody with a $3 million bond each, awaiting their arraignment set for December 23.
Compounding the tragedy, a third suspect, a 16-year-old boy whose identity remains undisclosed, also faces charges in juvenile court. The shooting has ignited discussions about safety regulations surrounding short-term rentals like Airbnb, with investigations revealing potential violations of local ordinances.
Concerns over rental platform accountability are under scrutiny, as Rob Fischer, director of the Center on Poverty and Community Development at Case Western Reserve University, noted the inadequacies of current systems. “It shows that their systems are not working very well,” he stated.
In light of these events, Ohio Senator Andrew Brenner is advocating for new legislation aimed at regulating short-term rentals, despite asserting that such violent incidents are rare. As discussions continue, the community grapples with the impact of this shooting and the broader implications for rental safety.
As the legal proceedings progress, the Bath Township community remains shaken but determined to seek justice for Elijah Wells and to ensure the safety of future gatherings. Watch for updates as this story develops.
