Bonds set at $1 million each for 3 men accused in the slaying of Ethan Liming

A judge Monday set the bonds at $1 million each for three men accused in the slaying of Ethan Liming earlier this month.

Deshawn Stafford, 20, Tyler Stafford, 19, and Donovon Jones, 21, are charge with murder in the death of Liming, 17, on the basketball courts outside of I Promise School in Akron on June 2. U.S. Marshals and Akron police arrested the three on the charges Saturday.

Ethan and friends drove around Akron firing a gel soft gun, which shoots water-filled beads that cause minor pain, according to police. On the night of Ethan’s death, he and his friends pulled into the school on West Market Street near the basketball courts and fired the toy at a group playing.

Police said a fight took place, and Ethan was beaten to death, authorities said. Authorities said the incident was not racially motivated.

Published reports said Judge James Kimbler set the bonds for the men at $1 million each in Akron Municipal Court. A Summit County grand jury is expected to hear the cases within weeks.

“We will continue to follow any leads that will result in bringing those responsible for Ethan’s death to justice,” Stephen Mylett, Akron’s police chief, said in a statement.

“While I believe the news of the arrests will be welcomed by Ethan’s family and loved ones, we all recognized that nothing will bring Ethan back. We are losing too many lives to senseless acts of violence.”

The Beacon Journal reported that Liming would have been a senior at Firestone Community Learning Center, and he played on the school’s football and baseball teams.