AKRON, OHIO — The Akron Police Department (APD) has issued a public advisory requesting assistance in locating Stormy Mataya and Milko Encarnacion, both believed to have information valuable to the investigation of the fatal shooting of Andrew “Nitti” Cassell. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with tips regarding the whereabouts of Mataya, who is categorized as “wanted for questioning,” or Encarnacion, who, though not formally named as a suspect, may possess insight pertinent to the case.
Key Facts of the Case
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Victim: Andrew “Nitti” Cassell, shot and killed—no additional details about the date, time, or location of the incident have been publicly released at this time.
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Person of Interest: Stormy Mataya is being sought for questioning in connection with the shooting.
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Additional Person of Interest: Encarnacion, identified as Mataya’s boyfriend, is not currently wanted but is believed to have information relevant to the investigation.
Investigative Status & Law Enforcement Approach
The APD’s release indicates an ongoing and active investigation. When someone is listed as “wanted for questioning,” it typically means investigators have a reason to believe that person may hold key information—whether it pertains to actions taken before or after the crime, knowledge of other participants, or involvement in planning or execution.
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Evidence gathering is likely underway, including physical examination of the scene, forensic analysis, surveillance footage review, and collection of witness statements.
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Investigators may seek to determine:
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Mataya’s role in the shooting—whether as a witness or participant.
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Encarnacion’s potential knowledge of Mataya’s activities or Cassell himself.
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The sequence of events leading up to and following the shooting.
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Public Safety and Community Involvement
Akron Police have placed a public request for help locating both individuals. Highlights include:
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Anonymous tips: Callers can remain anonymous, alleviating fears about reprisal.
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Confidential reporting: Residents are encouraged to report sightings of Mataya or Encarnacion to the APD Detective Bureau at (330) 375‑2490.
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No self-identification as staff: Residents are reminded not to approach the individuals themselves, as their legal statuses remain unclear. Contacting law enforcement directly ensures both public and officer safety.
Broader Context and Implications
Wrongful deaths by gun violence continue to challenge communities across Ohio. Each investigation carries multiple layers of complexity:
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The question of motive: Without knowing the relationship between Cassell, Mataya, and Encarnacion, motive remains unclear.
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Community trust: Speedy disclosure of persons of interest supports public confidence in the investigative process.
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Preventing further violence: By quickly appealing to the public for information, law enforcement aims to disrupt any potential escalation involving those connected to the crime.
What the Public Can Do Now
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Stay alert — Keep an eye out for Mataya and Encarnacion in neighborhoods near Akron.
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Share information responsibly — On platforms such as Neighborhood Watch or with local police, not social media rumors.
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Consider privacy — If you have personal knowledge, prioritize direct reporting over online disclosure.
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Support safety efforts — Encourage participation in community briefings or crime-prevention programs, which the APD may schedule in response to this incident.
Next Steps in the Investigation
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Investigators will continue tracing Mataya’s and Encarnacion’s locations through cell logs, credit card use, and social media activity.
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Physical evidence from the scene—shell casings, surveillance video, audio recordings—will be analyzed to reconstruct the shooting.
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Community engagement is expected to intensify, potentially including press briefings or safety town halls, depending on progress and developments.
Why This Matters
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Current status: With one individual wanted for questioning and a second potentially connected, the investigation is in a critical phase where public tips may make the difference between closure and continued danger.
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Community safety: Crimes involving firearms carry the added risk of escalation; rapid cooperation with law enforcement helps keep neighborhoods safer.
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Victim justice: Cassell’s family seeks answers. Each new piece of information could help resolve outstanding questions about who was involved and what led up to the fatal shooting.
In Summary
The APD is urging anyone with knowledge of Stormy Mataya or Milko Encarnacion—particularly their locations or activities around the time of Andrew “Nitti” Cassell’s fatal shooting—to contact the detective bureau at (330) 375‑2490. Anonymous tips are welcome, and all information, big or small, could be pivotal in resolving the case.
Police emphasize that approaching either individual directly could be dangerous and urge calls to 911 or the detective bureau instead. As this investigation progresses, further details are expected to be shared to keep the community informed and involved.
If you have any credible leads, please call (330) 375‑2490 or your local law enforcement agency. Your vigilance could help bring clarity to this tragedy.