Family, loved ones remember woman found shot to death inside Stow home

STOW, Ohio — Family and friends gathered Thursday to release purple and black balloons in memory of 36-year-old Larretta Ann Allison, who was found fatally shot inside her home one day earlier.

Loved ones surrounded by music, candlelight, and photos held the balloon release in honor of Allison, whom family affectionately called “Rett.” Her death is being investigated by Stow police detectives and agents with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation as a domestic homicide. No suspects have been arrested.

“Loretta, she was silly, but she also was sweet. She loved her kids. I could say that she loved her whole family inside and out,” Allison’s aunt, Adrian Mims said. “And she was a funny person at times. I miss her. We all miss her.”

Officers initially responded Wednesday around 5:20 p.m. to a house in the 4100 block of Vira Road to assist a landlord with a tenant issue. Once inside, police discovered Allison’s body. The Summit County Medical Examiner identified her and confirmed she suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators believe she had been dead for some time before officers arrived.

Family requested welfare check

Allison’s family said they grew concerned after days passed without hearing from her, noting she spoke with someone every day. A relative went to the home as police responded to conduct a welfare check.

“We were doing a welfare check because had nobody heard from her in a couple days and that’s odd. She talks to somebody every day,” Carolyn Mims-Nelson, Allison’s aunt said.

Allison leaves behind two children. Family members at the gathering said their focus is now on supporting them.

“If we had parties, she’s going to be the life of the party. She was one wonderful girl, loved her kids. She loved her kids dearly and we are going to be the ones that back her up now. We got to be there for the kids. The kids are the most important thing for us,” Mims-Nelson said.

Loved one’s issue warning on domestic violence

Loved ones at the balloon release said they want Allison’s death to serve as a warning about domestic violence.

“You read or you see things like this on TV, but you never think it’s going to happen in your family,” Mims-Nelson said. “And domestic violence is not a joke. I mean, it’s really something that needs to be handled and if you’re facing it, somebody needs to get some help.”

Loved ones said releasing the balloons was a way to send Allison their love, but they will not rest until someone is held accountable for her death. They are asking anyone to speak up if they know something.

There is also a GoFundMe account for the family.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Stow Police Department Detective Bureau at (330) 689-5770.