This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

AKRON, Ohio (WJW) — The U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested three suspects in connection with the beating death of 17-year-old Ethan Liming outside the I Promise School in Akron on June 2.

Deshawn Stafford Jr., 20; Tyler Stafford, 19; and Donovon Jones, 21 were arrested on warrants issued for homicide, according to a release from the U.S. Marshals Service.

“Ethan’s senseless and tragic death has touched every person in our community,” said Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. “These arrests would not have been possible without the dedication of our Akron Police Department and their collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force. They have worked around the clock on this case and I thank them for their tireless efforts. My thoughts and prayers remain with the entire Liming family at this time.”

Members of the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested Deshawn Stafford Jr., 20 yrs, Tyler Stafford, 19 yrs, and Donovon Jones, 21 yrs. for the beating death of Ethan Liming on June 2, 2022. (Credit: US Marshals Service)

Akron Police and the US Marshals worked together to locate and arrest Deshawn and Tyler Stafford at a residence located on the 500 block of North Howard Street in Akron. Jones was arrested at a residence located on the 200 block of Crosby Street in Akron, the release says.  

Police said Liming and his friends were involved in a fight that evening with a group of males who were reportedly playing basketball on the property. Liming’s friends reportedly called 911 after the victim was knocked unconscious and beat up.

FOX 8 spoke to Liming’s father, Rev. Bill Liming, following the news of the arrest. “I don’t think anything could justify what they did, nor the extent of what they did to my son, no, no, I don’t think anything could justify it,” he said.