Akron police arrested a man Wednesday who allegedly hid a shooting victim’s phone and gun during an investigation into the victim’s death.
Martino Mitchell, 29, was charged with evidence tampering and obstructing official business. He’s accused of taking the belongings of 26-year-old Recardo “Ricky” Travis — who had just been shot to death — from his car and stashing them under a nearby porch. Travis was found dead in his car at about 11 p.m. on March 4 in the 1200 block of Onondago Avenue on the city’s east side, according to police.
Mitchell, who has a history of gang-related crime, is accused of retrieving the items from the porch after police left the scene.
Police continue to investigate Travis’ death. Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at 330-375-2490.
Mitchell and Travis each have lengthy criminal histories, according to court records. Mitchell had a conviction of involvement in the Bloodline street gang, and Travis had alleged ties to the V-Nots gang.
Travis also was one of a group of teenagers charged in 2007 with involvement in the Akron killing of 18-year-old Shawrica Lester outside the now-defunct Cage nightclub for teens.
According to witnesses and police, a shootout between the V-Not and Hilltopper rival gangs left Lester dead outside the East Market Street nightclub in January 2007. Lester was reportedly not involved with either gang, but was caught in the crossfire.
Travis was not convicted for his alleged involvement.
Travis made news again last October when he exchanged gunfire with two men in the 300 block of Robert Street. Police said he and a friend were attacked by men who opened fire, and he returned fire. Two of his friends were injured, but Travis was not.
Nick Glunt can be reached at 330-996-3565 or nglunt@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickGluntABJ.