The Noah Kinney murder took place in early January 2020, shattering the community’s peace. 

Noah Kinney, a 20-year-old young man, fell victim to a heinous act of violence that left an indelible mark on the city.

As the events surrounding his murder came to light, a tale of deceit, determination, and justice emerged.

How did Noah Kinney die?

Noah James Kinney’s journey began on September 25, 1999, in Barberton, Summit County, Ohio. 

He was raised by his grandmother, Mary Kinney, in Houston, Texas; Noah’s early years were marked by a compassionate spirit that resonated with those who crossed his path. 

His life took an unexpected turn when he entered foster care, a chapter that would lead him to Fairlawn, Ohio. 

Here, he shared his life with an infant daughter, Niyla Kinney, born to his former girlfriend, Oahnesty Palmer.

The memories of Noah’s vibrant presence still lingered in the words of Oahnesty.

 Who fondly recalled, “Noah was the best father I could ask for my child. He absolutely lit up every room he walked into.” 

The light that Noah radiated was extinguished on January 8, 2020. 

Just moments after exchanging texts with Oahnesty, Noah met his grim fate on an Akron street. 

Concerned neighbours called 911 around 11:17 PM, reporting 12 gunshots and turmoil in the night.

The accounts painted a chaotic picture: gunshots, a fleeing vehicle, and anguished screams filled the air. 

Witnesses described a figure fleeing the scene, a dark-skinned individual, thin and agile.

 Amidst the chaos, the police discovered Noah Kinney, lifeless and riddled with gunshot wounds, slumped over in the driver’s seat of his Jeep. 

The fatal blow had pierced his chest, ending his life abruptly.

Who Killed Noah Kinney?

As investigators looked into the situation more closely, they found a mysterious person involved—Noah’s cousin, Jeffrey Law II.

When the police got to where the crime happened, they immediately took Jeffrey into their custody. He said he was a witness, but the things he told them didn’t match up with each other.

While Noah was getting hurt, Jeffrey acted strange. His injury wasn’t from a gunshot, but from a cut that needed stitches.

When they asked more questions, Jeffrey’s story started to fall apart. He talked about people with masks coming from a backyard, but the snow had no footprints, which didn’t support his story.

The proof showed a different story: someone standing still and shooting into the night. There were shell casings in a line leading to one spot, showing that the shooter didn’t move.

Then, they found surveillance footage that changed the direction of the investigation.

The revelation of Melvin Terry

The CCTV footage offered a chilling window into the events leading to Noah’s tragic end. Captured on camera, a vehicle arrived minutes before Noah’s Jeep. 

The footage captured Noah entering the car, a fleeting moment before chaos erupted. 

Shots were fired, and Noah stumbled out, racing towards his vehicle as the assailant continued to fire. 

The harrowing scene concluded with Noah’s Jeep losing control and crashing into a driveway while the assailant escaped.

The evidence culminated in identifying a suspect—Melvin Terry Jr. Heavily pursued.

Investigators discovered that Noah had exchanged texts with Melvin shortly before the shooting. 

The trail led to a nursing home, where Melvin was identified as an acquaintance of a friend named Trippy. Melvin drove a Buick—a detail captured by the surveillance footage.

The pieces fell into place as Noah’s phone records revealed a connection to Melvin. 

An auto repair shop held the key, where a Buick owned by Melvin Sr. and Jr. was discovered, bearing bullet holes and traces of Noah’s blood.

 As the noose tightened, Melvin Terry Jr. made a fateful decision; he surrendered with legal representation. The trial that followed marked a turning point in the search for justice.

The Murder Tapes on ID

On Investigation Discovery, “The Murder Tapes” is set to document the tragic shooting death of Noah Kinney in an episode titled “Blood in the Snow.”

The official synopsis states:

“Noah Kinney is shot dead in a car that crashed outside a home in Akron, Ohio; detectives attempt to determine who did it and race to find an armed killer on the loose; investigators are shocked to discover video evidence that cracks the case open.”

As detectives delve into the case, they strive to identify the perpetrator while urgently pursuing an armed killer on the loose. 

Unexpectedly, the investigation takes a turn when video evidence emerges, shedding new light on the case. The episode is scheduled to premiere on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at 9 pm ET.

Where is Melvin Terry Now?

With a lawyer by his side, Melvin Terry Jr. surrendered, facing charges that included first-degree murder and felony assault. 

The trial in July 2021 culminated in a verdict that sealed his fate. Melvin Terry Jr. was found guilty on multiple counts, a conviction that echoed through the courtroom. 

His life sentence, with a possibility of parole after 18 years, brought a semblance of closure to a community haunted by tragedy.

Melvin Terry’s actions left an indelible scar on Akron, Ohio, a city that now bears the weight of a young life lost too soon. 

As the story unfolds, the legacy of a kind-hearted young man lives on, a beacon of hope in a world grappling with the shadows of violence and deceit.