Akron Homicide Suspect Arrested in Atlanta After Multi-State Marshals Manhunt Ends
AKRON, Ohio — November 4, 2025
A weeklong manhunt that spanned multiple states has come to an end with the arrest of 37-year-old Travonte D. Griffin, a fugitive wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Damere T. Boddie in Akron, Ohio. The U.S. Marshals Service confirmed Tuesday that Griffin was taken into custody without incident in Atlanta, Georgia, by members of the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF), closing one of the city’s most pressing homicide cases in recent months.
The case began when Akron Police responded to a call of shots fired on a residential block late last month. Upon arrival, officers found Damere T. Boddie, 31, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts from emergency medical responders, Boddie was pronounced deceased at the scene. His passing deeply shook the local community, where he was known as a hardworking man who valued family, friendship, and loyalty.
Detectives with the Akron Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit quickly identified Griffin as the primary suspect. Through witness interviews, surveillance footage, and digital evidence, investigators pieced together a timeline indicating that an argument had escalated into violence. Griffin allegedly fled Akron soon after the shooting, sparking an intensive interstate search involving both state and federal law enforcement agencies.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, operated by the U.S. Marshals Service, immediately took the lead in tracking Griffin’s movements. Their work, combined with intelligence shared across federal and state lines, eventually led investigators to Georgia. There, the U.S. Marshals-led Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF) located Griffin at a private residence on the outskirts of Atlanta. Officials say he was arrested without resistance and remains in custody pending extradition back to Ohio, where he faces charges of aggravated murder and weapons violations.
“This was an outstanding example of collaboration between local and federal law enforcement agencies,” said Pete Elliott, U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Ohio. “When someone attempts to flee justice, we will use every resource available to find them. Mr. Griffin will now face the consequences of his actions in an Ohio courtroom.”
Back in Akron, the news of Griffin’s arrest has brought a measure of relief to the family of Damere Boddie, who have spent days grappling with grief and unanswered questions. Relatives describe Damere as a loving son, a loyal friend, and a man who brought light to those around him. “He didn’t deserve this,” one family member said. “We just want justice for Damere and peace for our family.”
According to court records, Griffin has a prior criminal history, including previous convictions for assault and firearm possession. Police have not yet disclosed the motive behind the shooting, but sources close to the investigation indicate it may have stemmed from a personal dispute that turned deadly.
The Akron Police Department expressed gratitude to the U.S. Marshals Service and partnering agencies for their swift action. “This arrest is the result of tireless investigative work and cooperation,” said a department spokesperson. “Our detectives, along with the Marshals Service, worked around the clock to bring closure to this case.”
Griffin is currently being held at the Fulton County Jail in Georgia as authorities finalize arrangements for his extradition to Summit County, Ohio. Once returned, he will face formal arraignment on multiple felony charges. Prosecutors say they intend to pursue the case vigorously.
Meanwhile, family and friends of Damere T. Boddie are preparing to honor his life with a memorial service in Akron later this week. Loved ones are remembering him as a man who cared deeply for others, often putting their needs before his own. His passing has left a void in his community — a reminder of how violence can ripple outward, touching countless lives.
As the legal process moves forward, the Boddie family holds onto the hope that justice will bring them some comfort, even as they continue to mourn. “Damere had dreams, he had people who loved him,” a close friend said. “Now all we can do is make sure he’s never forgotten.”
Travonte D. Griffin awaits extradition to Ohio, where he will face charges in the shooting death of 31-year-old Damere T. Boddie. The Akron Police Department urges anyone with additional information about the case to contact detectives at (330) 375-2490 or Crime Stoppers at (330) 434-COPS.