Isaiah McKinney was set to face trial for the 2024 murder of Gregory Dykes Jr. before changing his plea. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
Isaiah McKinney, a 20-year-old man from Akron, who was set to go on trial for the murder of Gregory Dykes Jr. in 2024, has instead entered a guilty plea for a lesser charge.
The Summit County Prosecutor’s Office stated that McKinney pled guilty on Wednesday to voluntary manslaughter, felonious assault, and aggravated menacing.
Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich expressed that there is no room for gun violence in their community. He commended the Akron Police Department and his team for their efforts in seeking justice for Gregory Dykes Jr., his loved ones, and all those affected by gun violence.
A sentencing date has not yet been announced.
CASE BACKGROUND
According to prosecutors, on April 29, 2024, McKinney fatally shot Dykes in the face after getting into an argument with him outside his apartment complex in the 1200 block of Everton Drive. McKinney then threatened to shoot a witness before fleeing the scene.
“Surveillance footage from inside the apartment building, and witness testimony connected McKinney to the murder,” Kolkovich’s office added.
Two days later, McKinney was captured by the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at a residence near the 600 block of Kling Street in Akron. Marshals reported that as task force members and Akron police officers went in to arrest McKinney, he allegedly fired a shot inside the house. No one was injured.
On May 20, McKinney was indicted on the following charges by a Summit County grand jury:
- Two counts of murder with 3-year firearm specifications
- Two count of felonious assault with 3-year firearm specifications
- One count of aggravated menacing
The trial had been scheduled to start on Wednesday in Summit County Common Pleas Court.
