Canton Homicides More Than Doubled in 2025

Stark County saw a slight increase in total homicides last year, but the majority occurred in Canton.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 5:31am

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The number of homicides in Canton, Ohio more than doubled in 2025 compared to the previous year, with the city accounting for 12 of the 16 total homicides across Stark County. While the overall homicide rate in Stark County only increased by one compared to 2024, Canton Police Chief John Gabbard acknowledged it was an unfortunate rise after the city had seen just five homicides the prior year.

Why it matters

The rise in Canton homicides bucks the nationwide trend, as homicides in 35 large U.S. cities declined 21% from 2024 to 2025. However, Stark County Sheriff Eric Weisburn noted that evaluating homicide rates as a measure of overall safety can be frustrating, as homicides represent the smallest category of violent crime but can have the greatest impact on a community's reputation.

The details

Of the 16 homicides in Stark County in 2025, 12 occurred in Canton, while two others happened in related incidents in Alliance. Canton Township and Plain Township each had one homicide. Stark County grand juries declined to charge the people who fired fatal shots in three Canton cases, as homicide refers to the killing of one person by another, while murder involves intentional killing. Guns were used in most of the Stark County homicide cases.

  • In 2024, there were 15 homicides across Stark County, including 5 in Canton.
  • In 2025, Stark County experienced 16 homicides, a slight increase of 1 from the previous year.

The players

Eric Weisburn

Stark County Sheriff.

John Gabbard

Canton Police Chief.

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What they’re saying

“Even one homicide is too many. That's why it's heartbreaking to acknowledge that Stark County experienced 16 homicides in 2025 — each one representing a lost life and grieving families and friends.”

— Eric Weisburn, Stark County Sheriff

“However, Canton had a fourth consecutive year of decreased crime overall and 2025 homicides were lower than the five-year average. Evaluating homicide rates in any city as a measure of safety is frustrating as homicides account for the smallest category of violent crime but can have the greatest impact to the reputation of a community.”

— John Gabbard, Canton Police Chief

What’s next

Stark County Sheriff Eric Weisburn said several factors contribute to homicides in general, including alcohol and drug use, domestic violence, and untreated mental health challenges. He said homicides often follow a simple, yet tragic formula: Anger, plus alcohol and other drugs, equals life-changing consequences.

The takeaway

The rise in Canton homicides, despite a nationwide decline, highlights the complex nature of addressing violent crime. While homicides have an outsized impact on a community's reputation, they represent a small fraction of overall violent crime. Addressing underlying issues like domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health challenges may be key to reducing homicides and improving public safety.