Life Sentence for Akron Man in 2022 Murder Case
Life Sentence Handed to Akron Man for Murder of Dartanian Howard
Luther Easter, a native of Akron, Ohio, was convicted of the sad murder of Dartanian Howard in September 2022 and sentenced to life in prison. The decision reflects the bleak realities of a community grappling with crime. Easter was sentenced on Tuesday after a lengthy court trial in which a Summit County jury found him guilty of aggravated murder, murder, kidnapping, and tampering with evidence. Easter’s actions have irrevocably affected the Howard family and the Akron community, despite the fact that he may be eligible for parole after serving 28 years.
On September 18, 2022, Akron police were alerted to a body recovered on Flower Court and North Howard Street. Dartanian Howard, 34, was found with numerous gunshot wounds, marking a terrible turning point in the city’s violent history. Investigations revealed a chilling story: Laurelin Flanagan, 32 at the time, had arranged Howard’s murder and enticed him to the spot where Easter and an unidentified accomplice performed the heinous crime. Flanagan’s guilty plea was eventually triggered by DNA evidence discovered at the crime scene, which served as a compelling nexus linking her to the crime.
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Closure Sought as Accomplice in Dartanian Howard Murder Case Receives Prison Sentence
While Easter’s punishment is a huge step toward justice, the wounds inflicted on the Howard family continue to linger. In a separate court case, Flanagan admitted to her role in the disaster and pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter with a gun and tampering with evidence. Recognizing the gravity of her crimes, Judge O’Brien sentenced Flanagan to 13 to 18 years in jail. As Akron deals with the aftermath of this senseless tragedy, the hope for healing and closure remains a distant but steadfast beacon in the hearts of all affected by Dartanian Howard’s tragic death.
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