A man wanted in connection with the shooting deaths of two women found inside a burned Canton apartment was arrested Wednesday afternoon in New Philadelphia following a brief foot pursuit, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
Darrell Washington, 46, was arrested at an address in the 1500 block of Barnhill Road by members of the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, with assistance from several state and local law enforcement agencies.
Authorities said Washington attempted to flee when officers arrived but was caught and arrested after a brief foot pursuit.
Washington was wanted by Canton police on charges of aggravated murder and aggravated arson in connection with the deaths of 42-year-old Katina C. Spells of Canton and 31-year-old Kourtni D. Yeager of Massillon.
The women were found Sunday after Canton firefighters responded to a structure fire at an apartment in the 700 block of Alan Page Drive. Firefighters discovered both women inside the apartment.
Police initially said both women suffered severe burns and appeared to have wounds unrelated to the fire. Investigators later determined both women had suffered gunshot wounds, and the case was classified as a double homicide.
Washington was subsequently identified as a suspect, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott credited cooperation among several agencies with Washington’s arrest.
“This arrest today was the epitome of law enforcement collaboration,” Elliott said. “Outstanding work was done by the Canton Police Department to identify the suspects involved and our task force with the support of multiple state and local law enforcement agencies, EMS and Fire Departments executed a safe arrest.”
The Canton Division of the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force was assisted by the Ohio State Highway Patrol Special Response Team, Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, Stark County Sheriff’s Office, Midvale Police Department and Canton Police Department. The Uhrichsville and New Philadelphia fire departments and EMS also assisted.
Washington is one of three people identified by Canton police in connection with the case.
Eric R. Lamar, 43, turned himself in to Canton police and the U.S. Marshals on Tuesday. Lamar is charged with aggravated arson, tampering with evidence and obstructing justice.
Melissa F. Terrell, 41, remains wanted on charges of aggravated arson, tampering with evidence and obstructing justice.
The investigation remains ongoing.
