Two men from Warren, Ohio, have been arrested and charged with federal firearms violations following a shooting at a convenience store on August 3 that resulted in one death and another injury. The suspects, Jumal Ellis Rowe, 32, and Rayjon Ray Mcelroy, 25, were identified through surveillance footage from the scene.
Rowe faces charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He has previous convictions related to trafficking and possession of cocaine. Mcelroy is charged with possession of ammunition by someone previously convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
According to an affidavit filed with the criminal complaint, law enforcement responded to reports of gunshots at the Convenient Food Mart in Warren around 5 a.m. Surveillance video showed several people loitering outside the store playing dice before a fight broke out. The altercation escalated into gunfire in the parking lot. One person died as a result and another was injured.
Investigators observed Mcelroy holding a Kel-Tec Sub 2000 folding firearm during the incident. Rowe was seen with what authorities identified as a Glock Model 23Gen4 semi-automatic pistol, firing shots between two parked vehicles.
If convicted, both defendants could face up to 15 years in federal prison. Sentencing would be determined by the court based on factors such as prior criminal history and each defendant’s role in the offense.
U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio announced the charges along with Acting Special Agent in Charge John Smerglia of the ATF Cleveland Field Office and Warren Police Chief Eric J. Merkel.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Youngstown Satellite Office worked on this investigation alongside local law enforcement agencies including the Warren Police Department and Trumbull County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Yasmine Makridis is prosecuting the case for the Northern District of Ohio.
Authorities emphasized that “a criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Warren Police Department at 330-841-2658.
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