Jay Tillman

Cleveland native and Eastern Michigan University student Jayquon Tillman, who friends called Jay, came home from school for summer break and went to a large house party near Kent State University, on May 6, 2017.  

At least 300 to 400 people were estimated to be in attendance, at the house located at 7263 State Route 43, in Franklin Township, Ohio. The party had been shared on social media and grew larger than expected, creating a chaotic scene. Police were called and spoke with the hosts, who were cooperative and tried to shut the party down.

Reports say a fight broke out, stemming from someone stepping on another person’s shoes.

While Deputies were outside, around 11:30p.m., 18-year-old Jayquon, who detectives described as an innocent bystander, likely trying to calm the situation down, was shot and killed.

His murder remains unsolved.

A 20-year-old Kent State student, Kalin Lee, was also shot, but luckily, she survived.

Rather than a person of interest, investigators say they have a group of interest. And despite numerous witnesses and dozens of interviews, they do not have enough information at this time for an arrest.

The oldest of four children, Jayquon graduated from John Hay Early College High School at just 16 years old. His mother told the Record-Courier he was “funny, outgoing, always cracking jokes. He never complained. He was a respectable kid.”

The political science major had just finished his sophomore year at EMU, where he was involved in a fraternity and several leadership and mentoring programs. He wanted to be a history teacher, then go to law school.

During a press conference, his mother asked parents whose children may have attended the party to find out if they have any information, the Akron Beacon Journal reports. “If you know your child went to this party, sit down and speak to them. Nobody’s child deserves to go to a party and lose their life…No parent wants to get that phone call,” she pleaded.

At night, she told reporters, she stays up praying that a witness will come forward.