Suspect Confesses to Akron Double Murder Before Arrest

28-year-old Brandon Casto surrendered after allegedly shooting a woman and her 12-year-old son

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:09pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the evidence of a violent crime.A single bullet casing, a stark reminder of the tragic violence that unfolded on a quiet Akron street.Akron Today

On a Saturday evening in Akron, Ohio, police responded to reports of gunshots and found a vehicle that had been shot at multiple times, with a 2-year-old baby unharmed but the driver, 47-year-old Tania Mangual, and her 12-year-old son Jericho both shot. Jericho was pronounced dead at the scene, while Tania later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. The suspect, 28-year-old Brandon Casto, had fled the scene but later surrendered to authorities, after allegedly confessing to friends, one of whom called 911.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has shaken the Akron community, with the Barberton Schools making counselors available for students after the spring break. The motive for the shooting is still under investigation, but early reports suggest it may have stemmed from a dispute over parking. The case highlights the ongoing challenges of gun violence and the need for community support in the aftermath of such traumatic events.

The details

According to the police, when they arrived at the 'chaotic' scene on Wilbeth Road, they found the vehicle that had been shot at multiple times crashed into a wooded area. The 2-year-old baby was pulled out from the car unharmed, but Tania Mangual and her 12-year-old son Jericho had both been shot. Jericho was pronounced dead at the scene, while Tania was transported to the hospital where she later died from her injuries. The suspect, Brandon Casto, who lived in the same apartment building, had fled the scene but later surrendered to authorities in Meigs County, Ohio, more than two and a half hours from Akron, on the West Virginia border. Before his arrest, Casto had allegedly confessed to friends, one of whom called 911.

  • On Saturday evening, March 31, 2026, Akron police responded to calls of shots fired just after 8 p.m.
  • Brandon Casto surrendered to authorities in Meigs County, Ohio, more than two and a half hours from Akron, on the West Virginia border.

The players

Tania Mangual

A 47-year-old woman who was the driver of the vehicle that was shot at multiple times and later died from her injuries at the hospital.

Jericho

Tania Mangual's 12-year-old son who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Brandon Casto

A 28-year-old man who lived in the same apartment building as the victims and is the suspected shooter. He fled the scene but later surrendered to authorities.

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What they’re saying

“This is a terrible incident, a terrible tragedy in our community, and we are in the early stages of trying to figure out exactly what happened.”

— Lt. Michael Murphy, Akron Police

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Brandon Casto out on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic double murder has left the Akron community in shock, raising questions about the ongoing challenges of gun violence and the need for community support in the aftermath of such traumatic events. The investigation into the motive is still ongoing, but early reports suggest it may have stemmed from a dispute over parking, highlighting the importance of conflict resolution and de-escalation strategies in preventing such senseless acts of violence.