A suspect has now been charged in connection with the April shooting death of a Canton man, according to police.
Canton Police Chief John Gabbard announced Friday, May 1, that detectives have filed charges against 33-year-old Ashaad D. Carlisle of Canton in the death of Richard J. Staats.
Carlisle is wanted on warrants for aggravated murder and discharging a firearm near prohibited premises. Authorities say he had not yet been taken into custody as of the announcement, and arrest warrants have been issued.
The charges stem from a shooting that occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday, April 19, at a residence near Tuscarawas Street West and Broad Avenue.
Staats, 51, was found inside the home with a gunshot wound to the head after officers responded to reports of shots fired around 4:30 a.m. He was transported to a hospital in critical condition and later died on Tuesday, April 21, after being taken off life support.
As previously reported, multiple 911 calls described a chaotic scene, including reports of several gunshots and a man seeking help. Officers located Staats inside the residence and began lifesaving measures before he was taken to the hospital.
Investigators collected evidence at the scene and conducted interviews with witnesses and individuals connected to the incident in the days following the shooting.
The investigation remains ongoing. Police are asking anyone with information about Carlisle’s whereabouts to contact the Canton Police Communications Center at 330-649-5800, the Detective Bureau at 330-489-3144, or the U.S. Marshals Task Force at 1-877-WANTED-2. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Stark County Crime Stoppers or Tip411.
