US Marshals and the Northeast Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force tracked a suspect they believe killed 8 year old MiKayla Pickett, on August 14, 2020, and arrested him yesterady, Thursday, April 27, in Detroit.

Pickett was killed, and a then 14-year-girl injured, when they were caught between a hail of gunfire that erupted outside a residence in the 700 block of Roselle Avenue.

Now, police say 22 year old Robert Scott is charged with Aggravated Murder and Felonious Assault. He is currently behind held in Michigan, awaiting extradition back to Akron. Two other men, Emahni Thomas, 21, and Donte Farmer, 37, incarcerated on unrelated charges, will also be charged with Aggravated Murder and Felonious Assault in connection with the crime.

In response, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan released this statement: "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. 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 mythoughts and prayers are with her entire family now."

Akron Police Chief, Steve Mylett, also issued a statement:

"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." 

He continues, "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. The investigation is ongoing as investigators seek additional suspects who may be involved in the case. Additional charges are possible."

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip. You can also provide anonymous information to any of the following: The Summit County Crimestoppers, call 330-434-COPS, Text TIPSCO with your tips to 274637, Download the Akron PD app and submit information by texting Tips411, or by accessing the link on their website; www.AkronCops.org