Stark County Sheriff George T. Maier held a press conference regarding the double-homicide Monday in North Canton. 

Rogell John II and his wife, Roberta, were found dead inside their home on Mount Pleasant Street NW Monday afternoon around 4:20. Their son found them and call 911. Deputies responded and they were both dead on the scene. 

Since that time, detectives with the Stark County Sheriff's Office determined that their suspect was 45-year-old George C. Brinkman of Brunswick. Sheriff Maier said, in his press conference, that Brinkman has been watching the Johns' home while they were away on vacation. Whether he was staying in the home or just checking in, and for how long, have not been determined yet, according to the Sheriff. 

On Tuesday, a warrant was issued for two counts of murder for Brinkman. 

Prior to the warrants being issued, Brinkman was the subject of a police standoff outside a Brunswick home on Valley Forge Drive. It started around 9 Monday night and lasted through the early morning hours Tuesday. It ended, without incident, and with Brinkman in handcuffs. 

During the press conference Tuesday, Sheriff Maier said that his office received a call from North Royalton Police on Sunday afternoon regarding Brinkman. At that point, North Royalton PD had established Brinkman as a person of interest in connection to the triple-homicide on Ridge Road near Wallings Road over the weekend. Suzanne Taylor and her daughters, 21-year-old Taylor Pifer and 18-year-old Kylie Pifer, were found dead inside that home on Ridge Rd. Saturday, but weren't found until the next day. Sheriff Maier says that North Royalton PD called his office because it was reported to them that Brinkman had sometimes stayed at a home in Stark County.

While charges have been filed out of Stark County, it appears no charges have been filed in North Royalton as of Tuesday afternoon, though Brinkman is being held in North Royalton Jail.

Stick with WAKR.net for details.  

GasBuddy.com is out with their weekly survey of local stations in the Akron area. Their report shows that the price at the pump has fallen 8.2 cents since this time last week. 

The current average for a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Akron is $2.16. Akron still well below the national average which is $2.33 per gallon. 

See the full weekly report from Gas Buddy below: 

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(GasBuddy.com) Average retail gasoline prices in Akron have fallen 8.2 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.16/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 372 gas outlets in Akron. This compares with the national average that has fallen 4.0 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.33/g, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Akron during the past week, prices yesterday were 53.6 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 0.6 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has decreased 0.7 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 5.8 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.

According to GasBuddy historical data, gasoline prices on June 12 in Akron have ranged widely over the last five years:
$2.69/g in 2016, $2.85/g in 2015, $3.83/g in 2014, $3.85/g in 2013 and $3.71/g in 2012.

Areas near Akron and their current gas price climate:
Cleveland- $2.20/g, down 5.8 cents per gallon from last week's $2.26/g.
Pittsburgh- $2.61/g, down 2.9 cents per gallon from last week's $2.64/g.
Ohio- $2.22/g, down 9.8 cents per gallon from last week's $2.32/g.

"While the national average fell 5 cents per gallon in the last week, the bigger story is that 47 states saw average gas prices move lower in the last week, so this isn't just a here and there trend, it's almost everywhere," said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.

"Oil prices remain near 6-month lows as fundamentals remain weak- supply remains high even in light of production cuts from OPEC while demand has been mild, not remarkable. Today's national average price for gasoline is the lowest for mid-June since 2005- not an easy record to attain. By all measures, gasoline prices this year have been exactly what most motorists seem to love- stable and cheap, two words that rarely have been synonymous with gas prices over the last decade. While many motorists are lured in to that false sense of security, smart motorists continue to shop around and find the best deal as the gas price spread between stations hits record levels, providing enough savings to pay for a snack or food item inside the station," DeHaan said.

Akron Police Detectives have issued a murder warrant for Malik Shabazz Baldwin, 22, of Fairbanks Place in Akron, in connection to the shooting death of LeMichael Stevenson, 24. 

Back on June 7, 2017, Stevenson was sitting on his front porch in the 800 block of Sumner Street in Akron. Shortly after 9 p.m., shots were fired outside the home and Stevenson was hit several times. He was transported to Akron City Hospital in a private vehicle; he later died at the hospital. 

Detectives believe it was Baldwin who fired those shots and issued the warrant for his arrest. He's listed as 5'10", 190 lbs. Baldwin is said to be armed and dangerous. 

Anyone who knows where Baldwin might be is asked to call Akron Police at 330-375-2490, the U.S. Marshals Service at 866-4-WANTED, or the Summit County Crimestoppers at 330-434-COPS. Tips can be made anonymously as well by texting TIPSCO at 274637. 

Adam D. Shaffer, 35, of Akron, has been sentenced to life in prison for raping a 6-year-old Akron boy last September. 

Back on September 3, 2016, the victim was visiting his grandmother who lives at the Saferstein Towers II apartment complex in Akron. During that visit, Shaffer befriended the boy and then took him to a park behind the apartments. That is where prosecutors say the assault happened. 

In April of this year, Shaffer plead guilty to first-degree-felony rape charges. He was sentenced Wednesday by Summit County Common Pleas Court Judge Alison McCarty.

Shaffer is not eligible for parole until after 15 years of his sentence. He will also have to register as a Tier 3 sex offender, and is required to re-register every 90 days with the court for the rest of his life. 

While fewer students at the University of Akron isn't necessarily a good thing, the University says they'll be saving on parking.

Cleveland.com is reporting that the University will terminate their leases with the following lots: 

First Methodist Church

Greek Orthodox Church 

The Chapel Lot 

The Broadway Parking Deck 

The total savings works out to about $55,500 per year, and leaves the University of Akron with 11,632 available parking spots. 

The WGC-Bridgestone Invitational is a global event that truly highlights Akron's Firestone Country Club and in turn the entire Northeast Ohio area. 

While it's obviously about the sport of golf, there is a much more important effect that is felt among northeast Ohio's non-profit organizations. 

During a luncheon at the Bridgestone Akron Technical Center Thursday, a check for more than $1 Million was presented and diviied up between 38 local non-profits, including Akron Children's Hospital, University Hospitals, the LeBron James Family Foundation, the Humane Society of Summit County, and more. 

Of the donation, Bridgestone Invitational Executive Director Don Padgett III they reason they do it was on display during Thursday's luncheon: "Over a million dollars going back to Northeast Ohio (and) the fantastic causes that we celebrate here today." Padgett says that more than $26 million has been raised for local non-profits since 1984. 

Also, for the 7th straight year, Bridgestone Invitational has named a local recipient of the $5,000 "surprise grant." This year's grant goes to Pregnancy Solutions Services in Akron. 

See the full press release recapping the grant presentation and highlighting the 2017 Bridgestone Invitational that runs August 2nd through August 6th below: 

AKRON, Ohio – The World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational and Northern Ohio Golf Charities today announced the donation of $1 million in charitable funds to Northeast Ohio organizations in connection with the 2016 tournament. The announcement was made at the annual Bridgestone Invitational, Northern Ohio Golf Charities luncheon held at the Bridgestone Americas Technical Center in Akron.

Representatives from Bridgestone Americas, Inc., the PGA TOUR and Northern Ohio Golf Charities attended the luncheon to celebrate the tournament’s charitable mission and announce the donation recipients. The luncheon was emceed by Chris Tye, news anchor and reporter for WKYC, Channel 3.

Thirty-eight charities throughout the region benefitted from the $1,015,981 total raised including the tournament’s two signature charities, Akron Children’s Hospital and UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital.

“The World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational is a special event for this community and the region,” said Rick Burke, President, Executive Committee, Northern Ohio Golf Charities. “It is a world class golf event that generates economic development for the area but more importantly, it enables Northern Ohio Golf Charities to distribute in excess of one million dollars each year to support so many worthy and necessary charitable causes. The tournament has provided Northern Golf Charities the unique opportunity to enhance the lives of so many in our community and we are immensely grateful to our partners Bridgestone, the PGA TOUR and Firestone Country Club for providing our organization a platform to achieve our charitable mission.”

Charities recognized at the luncheon included: Akron Children’s Hospital and University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, the LeBron James Family Foundation, The First Tee Chapters of Akron, Canton and Cleveland, Akron Children’s Museum, Akron General Foundation, Embracing Futures, Inc., Summa Foundation and the Humane Society of Summit County. (Please see attached document for a full listing of grant recipients.)

For the seventh year, Bridgestone Americas, Inc., funded an additional $5,000 contribution to a charitable organization. The 2017 Bridgestone Award was presented to Pregnancy Solutions & Services.

“Bridgestone is a global company with global responsibilities, but we understand the importance of supporting and improving the local communities in which we live, work and play,” said Gordon Knapp, CEO & President, Bridgestone Americas, Inc. “It’s an honor to partner once again with Northern Ohio Golf Charities on the Bridgestone Award, which this year we’re proud to present to Pregnancy Solutions & Services.”

Northern Ohio Golf Charities Foundation is part of a volunteer organization that has partnered with professional golf tournaments at Firestone Country Club for more than 50 years. During this time, the tournaments have provided more than $26 million to local charities seeking to improve the quality of life in Northeast Ohio.

“Bridgestone and Northern Ohio Golf Charities are phenomenal partners that enable the Bridgestone Invitational to give back to worthy local causes ,” said Don Padgett, Executive Director of the Bridgestone Invitational. “This event has a meaningful impact on the area all year long and we have our fans, area businesses and volunteers to thank for their support.”

Among the guests at the luncheon were: Gordon Knapp, CEO, Bridgestone Americas Inc.; Don Padgett III, Executive Director, Bridgestone Invitational, and Rick Burke, President, Northern Ohio Golf Charities Foundation, Inc.

Not-for-profit, 501 (c)(3) organizations can receive funds generated in conjunction with the 2017 Bridgestone Invitational by submitting a grant request to Northern Ohio Golf Charities. Further details can be found at www.nogcf.org.

Tickets to the 2017 Bridgestone Invitational can be purchased by visiting www.worldgolfchampionships.com or calling 330-644-2299.

The following non-profits split the more than $1M from the 2016 Bridgestone Invitational: 

1. 91.3 The Summit 2. Akron Children's Foundation 3. Akron Children's Museum 4. Akron General Foundation (Edwin Shaw Golf) 5. Barberton Area Community Ministries 6. Blessings in a Backpack 7. Cleveland Kids Book Bank 8. East Akron Neighborhood Development 9. Embracing Futures, Inc. 10. Emerald Development & Economic Network 11. Family Promise of Greater Cleveland 12. Flashes of Hope 13. Forever Amber Acres Animal Sanctuary 14. Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity 15. Hiram Farm Living Learning Community 16. Humane Society of Summit County 17. Humility of Mary Housing 18. Interval Brotherhood Home 19. LeBron James Family Foundation 20. Lift Up Ministries 21. Pregnancy Solutions & Services, Inc. 22. RABAB Ministries, The Well Akron 23. Regina Health Center 24. Ronald McDonald House of Akron 25. Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland 26. Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs 27. Stewart's Caring Place 28. Summa Foundation 29. Summit Choral Society 30. Summit Metro Parks 31. The First Tee of Akron 32. The First Tee of Canton 33. The First Tee of Cleveland 34. True Freedom, Inc. 35. Truly Reaching You 36. United Disability Services, Inc. 37. UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital 38. Urban Vision

Less than one week after a 19-month-old Akron boy overdosed on opioids in his home, and then eventually died as a result, Akron Police are investigating another child overdose. 

The latest happened Tuesday night. Akron Police Lt. Rick Edwards says officers responded to Akron Children's Hospital where the boy was taken by his mother. He was given NARCAN at the hospital and revived. Last check he was in stable condiiton at the hospital. 

Lt. Edwards says the boy's mother told them she left her son with her 5-year-old and 7-year-old daughters outside for just a moment. When she came back outside, the mother noticed her son was stumbling and acting funny. It was when the boy started going in and out of consciousness that she drove him to Akron Children's ER. 

No charges have been filed in the case, but while the investigation is ongoing, all three children have been placed in the custody of Summit County Children's Services. Lt. Edwards tells 1590 WAKR that this is a safety precaution as the investigation continues. 

Akron Police are investigating an assault and the theft of cash from an apartment on South Maple Street. 

The report indicates that it happened back on May 26th, when the victim, Lisa Mitchell, tells police 33-year-old Derrick Whatley walked into her apartment, which was unlocked, pistol whipped her, and stole $75,000 in cash. 

The money was an inheritance left to Mitchell by her boyfriend, Craig Bradney, who passed away just the day before from liver cancer. 

Mitchell says she isn't sure how Whatley could have known there was cash in the apartment. 

U.S. Marshall's, along with Akron Police are asking for the public's help bringing Whatley in. They're offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. Anyone with information is asked to call 330-434-COPS. Whatley is considered armed and dangerous. 

Akron Police say the fight between two Akron women was over a man... and it got ugly! 

According to the APD report, 36-year-old Dateika Jackson was visiting her ex-boyfriend on Bellevue Avenue near Diagonal Road when the man's current girlfriend came home. 

The two women started arguing and during the fight Jackson allegedly bit the tip of the 35-year-old woman's finger off. The victim was transported to Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Meanwhile, APD is still looking for Jackson who they say fled the scene. They've issued a warrant for felonious assault. 

Anyone with information on Jackson's whereabouts is asked to contact the Akron Police Department's detective bureau at 330-375-2490.

A local Akron City Schools teacher is standing up for Akron's own super hero, LeBron James, after his Los Angeles-area home was vandalized last week before the start of the NBA Finals in Oakland. 

Jennifer Pennington, an English as a Second Language teacher at Jennings CLC says tells the Jasen Sokol Show that when she heard that someone had spray-painted a racial slur across the outer gate of LeBron's west coast home, she wanted to get the message out that this word shouldn't be used to describe LeBron or anyone for that matter. 

"I just kept thinking about it and thinking about it," Pennington said, "and I thought I just want to do this; I want to put some signs up and I want to respond." 

And respond she did, with homemade signs that read "Hero" and "Humanitarian" and "Role Model" and more. She pulled up to LeBron's Bath Township home, and with the OK of the security working the property, she put them up outside along the street. 

There's been no response from LeBron, who is back home ahead of the NBA Finals Game 3 at Quicken Loans Arena Wednesday against the Warriors; but there's no doubt he's heard about it as Sports Illustrated was one of the first news outlets to run with the story.

The Cavs are down two games to none to the Warriors in the Finals. Game 3 tips off just after 9 p.m. Wednesday night on 1590 WAKR.