In Loving Memory of Tania Mangual and Jericho
The city of Akron is mourning the tragic loss of Tania Mangual and her 12-year-old son, Jericho, whose lives were taken in a senseless act of violence on the evening of March 28, 2026. Their passing has left a profound void in the hearts of their family, friends, and the broader community.
On that fateful Saturday night, at approximately 8:10 p.m., Akron Police officers responded to reports of a shooting near 30 West Wilbeth Road. Among the brave individuals who helped authorities piece together the events was a 49-year-old woman who had narrowly escaped the scene. Her courage in coming forward and providing detectives with crucial information led to the identification of the suspect, 28-year-old Brandon T. Casto, who has since been taken into custody.
Tragically, when officers arrived at the scene, they discovered a vehicle that had crashed into the tree line on Hemlock Street, partially engulfed in flames. Inside, they found young Jericho Mangual, who had sustained a gunshot wound. Despite the rapid response of emergency personnel, he was pronounced deceased at the scene. His mother, Tania Mangual, aged 47, had also been shot. She was transported to Cleveland Clinic – Akron General Medical Center, where she later succumbed to her injuries. A 2-year-old sibling, fortunately unharmed, was taken to Akron Children’s Hospital as a precaution.
Detectives from the Akron Police Major Crimes Unit and Crime Scene Unit meticulously processed the scene and executed a search warrant at an apartment connected to the suspect. This search resulted in the recovery of multiple firearms, firearm accessories, and a significant collection of ammunition. Investigators later learned that Casto had considered fleeing the area but ultimately surrendered to authorities in Meigs County, Ohio. He is currently held at the Southeast Regional Jail in Nelsonville, facing charges of two counts of aggravated murder and two counts of felonious assault.
Tania Mangual will be remembered not only as a devoted mother but as a woman whose life, though cut tragically short, impacted those around her with warmth, love, and resilience. Her son, Jericho, was a young boy full of potential and promise, whose bright spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and community. Their loss reminds us of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with our loved ones.
As Akron comes together to mourn and honor the lives of Tania and Jericho, the community extends its deepest condolences to the family. Services and memorials are being planned to celebrate their lives, their memories, and the love they shared.
In the face of tragedy, their story is also one of courage, as the quick actions of witnesses and the relentless work of law enforcement ensured that justice is being pursued for the victims. Though nothing can replace the lives of Tania and Jericho, their memory serves as a powerful reminder of the need for compassion, vigilance, and support within our community.
May Tania Mangual and Jericho Mangual rest in eternal peace, forever remembered and cherished
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