A 25-year-old Canton man accused of fatally shooting another man inside a city barbershop told police he acted in self-defense, according to investigators.
Deontae K.V. McCollum appeared Monday in Canton Municipal Court, where Judge Richard J. Kubilus set bond at $1 million. McCollum is charged with murder and felonious assault in the Aug. 1 shooting death of 19-year-old Braylon E. Foster.
Officers were called to Klipz Barber Shop at 2543 Mahoning Road NE just after 3 p.m. Friday. A 911 caller who identified himself as the shop’s owner reported that someone had been shot inside and was unresponsive but still breathing. The caller said he did not know who fired the shot.
McCollum was identified as the suspect shortly after police arrived. Authorities were told he may have fled in a black Audi SUV registered to his name. Officers checked a residence on Dartmouth Avenue SW for the vehicle, but it was not found.
At the home, officers spoke with McCollum’s brother and mother. During the interaction, McCollum’s mother called her son and handed the phone to police. On the call, McCollum claimed the shooting was in self-defense and agreed to meet with officers. He was taken into custody without incident near 19th Street and Market Avenue North.
His mother also told police she believed the incident may have been an act of self-defense.
The spelling of the victim’s first name varies among official documents. A criminal complaint and coroner’s records list it as “Braylan,” while police used the spelling “Braylon” in a press release.
McCollum remains in the Stark County Jail as the investigation continues.
