Rebecca C. Lutzko United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio
Two men from Warren, Ohio, have been arrested and charged with federal firearms violations following a shooting at a convenience store in the city on August 3. The incident resulted in one death and another person injured.
Jumal Ellis Rowe, 32, has been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. He has previous convictions for trafficking and possession of cocaine. Rayjon Ray Mcelroy, 25, faces charges for possession of ammunition by someone previously convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
According to an affidavit filed with the criminal complaint, police responded to reports of gunfire at the Convenient Food Mart in Warren early in the morning. Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators showed several people outside the store playing dice before a fight broke out and escalated into a mass shooting in the parking lot. One person was killed and another was injured during the incident.
Police identified Rowe and Mcelroy from surveillance video at the scene. Investigators observed Mcelroy holding a Kel-Tec Sub 2000 folding firearm when violence erupted. Rowe was seen carrying what appeared to be a Glock Model 23Gen4 semi-automatic pistol and firing shots between parked vehicles.
If convicted, both men could face up to 15 years in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio; Acting Special Agent in Charge John Smerglia of the ATF Cleveland Field Office; and Warren Police Chief Eric J. Merkel announced the charges.
“If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after a review of factors unique to this case, including each defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation,” officials said.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Youngstown Satellite Office is leading the investigation along with local law enforcement agencies.
Assistant United States Attorney Yasmine Makridis is prosecuting this case for the Northern District of Ohio.
Authorities remind 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 asked to contact Warren Police Department at 330-841-2658.
