Officers have identified potential witnesses in the murder of Akron Police Officer Justin Winebrenner, who was shot and killed last November while off-duty in Papa Don’s Pub.
According to WKYC, Akron police were able to identify the patrons by posting surveillance footage from the bar taken on the night of the murder. Authorities released the video on Wednesday and by that afternoon, all three women were identified.
Officials stated that none of the individuals are suspects in the death of the officer and are being considered witnesses. They were videoed in the bar before the shooting occurred.
FOX Cleveland reported that Winebrenner, a seven-year veteran with the Akron Police Department, was shot and killed during an altercation on November 16 when employees asked Kenan D. Ivery to leave. Ivery left, but returned later with a firearm. He proceeded to open fire inside the bar, killing Winebrenner and injuring four other individuals.
Ivery has been indicted on numerous charges, including aggravated murder. In December, he pleaded not guilty in Summit County Court. He is currently being held without bond at the Medina County Jail.
Prosecutors stated at the arraignment that Winebreener was attempting to defuse the situation when he suffered the gunshot wounds. They said they will seek the death penalty against Ivery if he is convicted.
Winebrenner, father to a 4-year-old daughter, was the most recent generation of his family to work in law enforcement.
