Mother killed, 5-year-old daughter injured in Akron shooting, police say

AKRON, Ohio (WOIO) - An Akron mother was found murdered and her 5-year-old daughter injured in their own home on New Year’s Eve after a shooting.

Akron Police responded to the home in the 1300 block of Brittain Road just before 8 p.m. on Dec. 31 after receiving a 911 call.

Allison Dinkins was found dead on her living room floor.

Her young daughter, who neighbors heard screaming for her mother, was taken to Akron Children’s Hospital and is expected to survive.

“A few minutes ago we heard gunshots or what sounded like gunshots, and then on our RING camera, we saw a man leaving out of our neighbor’s apartment,” a neighbor told 911 dispatchers. “A little girl, the little girl was screaming.”

Neighbors tell detectives they heard two or three gunshots. Destiny Cobbin, who lives nearby says she only knew her neighbor in passing, but she’s in shock.

“She was really sweet, mild-mannered, a little chill, a nice person,” Cobbin said. “When I found out that the baby was in there and she was hit, that broke my heart.”

“We are not sure if something happened to the little girl’s mom, because she was screaming for her mom,” the concerned caller told dispatchers.

One 911 caller told police dispatchers a man was creeping out of the apartment after they heard the gunshots, but Cobbins says they’re all shocked that violence like this happened so close to home.

“It got me a little scared because it’s quiet back here,” she said. “Nothing ever goes on. Like I’m not afraid when I can’t sleep at two in the morning and walk around my apartments.”

The door to the apartment had visible dents, almost appearing as if it had been kicked or punched, and the doorbell was ripped away; however, it’s unclear when that damage happened.

However, some who live in the area believe that sadly it had to be someone the victim knew and at some point trusted.

Akron police continue to investigate the murder.

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