Nine Injured in Shooting at Ohio Airbnb Birthday Party

A shooting at an Airbnb rental property in Bath Township, Ohio, left nine people injured early on March 15, 2024. The incident occurred around 00:16 as a large birthday party, advertised on multiple social media platforms, attracted a significant crowd to the short-term rental.

According to Bath Township Police Chief Vito Sinopoli, officers arrived at the scene to find chaos and immediately provided life-saving assistance to the injured. The victims, a mix of juveniles and adults, were transported to local hospitals. Their conditions remain undisclosed as of Sunday morning.

“This kind of violence is unacceptable in our community, and we’re committed to applying all available resources to this investigation,” Sinopoli stated during a press conference. The police confirmed that an unknown suspect or suspects opened fire on the first floor of the home and fled the scene.

Emergency responders from over a dozen agencies, including police and fire departments from Akron, Copley, Fairlawn, and Richfield, worked collaboratively to handle the situation. Their prompt actions were crucial in providing immediate aid to those affected.

Investigation Underway with Airbnb’s Cooperation

The Bath Township Detective Bureau is actively investigating the shooting, with assistance from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Investigators are gathering evidence, reviewing surveillance footage, and interviewing witnesses to identify the individuals responsible for the shooting. Police are also in contact with Airbnb and the property’s owner as part of the ongoing investigation.

Notably, short-term rentals are prohibited under a Bath Township zoning order, raising questions about the legitimacy of the gathering at the rental property. An Airbnb spokesperson expressed deep sympathy for the victims and reiterated the company’s commitment to safety. “Unauthorized and disruptive gatherings are strictly prohibited on Airbnb,” they stated. “Our Safety team acted immediately to remove the account of the individual who deliberately broke those rules.”

The property listing has been suspended while the investigation continues.

Background of the Property Owner

Investigations into the property reveal that it is owned by Michael Jones, who purchased the home for $1.2 million in 2022. At the time of the purchase, Jones was facing federal mail and wire fraud charges in Nevada. Prosecutors allege he defrauded small businesses of millions of dollars for services he never provided. He received a sentence of six and a half years in prison. Before his imprisonment, Jones transferred ownership of the property to his wife, Shauna Gardner.

In response to the shooting, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik commented on social media, expressing concern over the high number of young attendees at the party. He emphasized the need for community cooperation to ensure the safety of youth and hold those responsible for violence accountable.

“The City of Akron is committed to continuing our work alongside parents, youth-serving non-profits, and our broader community,” he stated. “Today, my heart is with the victims of this shooting and their families, those who witnessed this incident, and those safety forces who responded to it.”

Authorities are urging anyone who attended the party or possesses relevant information, including photos or videos, to contact Bath Township Police at 330-666-3736. The investigation remains ongoing as the community grapples with the impact of this tragic event.