AKRON, Ohio — A man has been arrested in connection to the shooting death of 8-year-old MiKayla Pickett, who was killed in Akron in Aug. 2020.
Akron Police say that on Thursday, 22-year-old Robert Scott was arrested in Michigan in connection to the incident that killed Pickett and injured another teen at a birthday party.
Scott, who is in awaiting extradition back to Akron, is being charged with aggravated murder and felonious assault.
On Aug. 14, 2020, Pikett and a then 14-year-old girl were caught in a hail of gunfire outside a residence in the 700 block of Roselle Avenue.
Following the shooting, Scott was identified as a person of interest, but over time, leads grew cold. Eventually, investigators were able to develop additional information and issue a warrant for his arrest on April 9, 2023.
"MiKayla Pickett's death was devastating to our entire community. I know the residents of Akron, especially those who knew MiKayla, are relieved to hear that an arrest has been made in this case," said Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. "This arrest would not have been possible without the dedication of our Akron Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force. I thank all those involved for their collaboration and tireless commitment to solving this case for MiKayla. I hope this arrest can lead to justice for MiKayla, and my thoughts and prayers are with her entire family now."
Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett released the following statement following the arrest:
"The investigation is ongoing as investigators seek additional suspects who may be involved in the case. But the bottom line is this, for nearly three years, someone knew who was responsible for Mikayla’s murder and said nothing. Every violent death in this city needs to be solved, and the offenders brought to justice, but when a child is killed in this city, we all must do everything we can to identify the offender and bring them to justice quickly."
"I am very proud of the work of Detective Sutton for his tenacity in solving this case, and I am very happy for Mikayla’s family that the people responsible for this precious little girl’s death will be held accountable. We all want the same justice for Journey Tolbert. The only way we will end this violence in Akron is to work together to find solutions to the root causes of violence and hold the offender to account. Someone knows who shot this 4-year-old girl last summer, and I am pleading with witnesses to come forward."
Akron Police say that 21-year-old Emahni Thomas and 37-year-old Donte Farmer, who are both incarcerate on unrelated charges, are also facing aggravated murder and felonious assault charges in connection to this incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Akron Police Department Detective at 330-375-2490. Additionally, anonymous information can be provided to the following:
- Text TIPSCO with your tips to 274637
- Download the Akron PD app and submit information by texting Tips411
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on Aug. 15, 2020.
