Two men from Warren, Ohio, have been arrested and charged with federal firearms violations following a shooting at a convenience store on August 3 that resulted in one death and another person injured.
Jumal Ellis Rowe, 32, faces charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He has previous convictions related to trafficking and possessing cocaine. Rayjon Ray Mcelroy, 25, is charged with possession of ammunition by someone previously convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
According to the affidavit filed with the criminal complaint, officers from the Warren Police Department and Trumbull County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunshots at the Convenient Food Mart in Warren early that morning. Surveillance footage showed several people outside the store playing dice before an altercation escalated into gunfire in the parking lot. One person was pronounced dead at the scene; another suffered injuries.
Investigators identified Rowe and Mcelroy through video evidence. The footage reportedly showed Mcelroy holding a Kel-Tec Sub 2000 folding firearm as the fight began. Rowe was observed with what authorities identified as a Glock Model 23Gen4 .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol and was seen firing between two parked vehicles.
If convicted, both defendants could face up to 15 years in federal prison. Sentencing will be determined by the court based on each defendant’s prior record, their role in the offense, and other case-specific factors.
U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio announced the charges along with Acting Special Agent in Charge John Smerglia of ATF Cleveland Field Office and Warren Police Chief Eric J. Merkel.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Youngstown Satellite Office led the investigation along with local law enforcement agencies. Assistant United States Attorney Yasmine Makridis is prosecuting the case for the Northern District of Ohio.
Authorities emphasized 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 open. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Warren Police Department at 330-841-2658.
