An Akron man has been sentenced to nine months in jail for offenses related to the death of a 13-year-old girl. Keith Earley, 31, recently entered a guilty plea in Summit County Common Pleas Court to charges of gross abuse of a corpse, a fifth-degree felony, and failure to report knowledge of a death, a fourth-degree misdemeanor.
Judge Kathryn Michael handed down the sentence, giving Earley credit for the 128 days he had already spent in the Summit County Jail and allowing him to serve the rest of his time there. Earley’s offenses were connected to the death of 13-year-old Melanie Elkins, who was found dead on June 12 in an alley in the 400 block of South Arlington Street. Akron police reported her as a runaway on June 11.
Toxicology tests revealed that fentanyl and methamphetamine were present in Elkins’ system, and the Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office identified these substances as the likely cause of death. Earley was taken into custody in mid-August in Mansfield and was represented by attorney Christopher Vandevere.
The court’s decision to sentence Earley to jail reflects the severity of his offenses and their impact on the community. The case highlights the tragic consequences of drug abuse and the importance of reporting knowledge of a death to the authorities. This sentencing sends a strong message about the consequences of failing to fulfill this duty and the need for accountability in similar cases. The judge’s ruling emphasizes the need for individuals to take responsibility for their actions and the importance of upholding the law to prevent further tragedy.
In conclusion, Keith Earley has been sentenced to nine months in jail for his involvement in the death of 13-year-old Melanie Elkins. The court’s decision serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of drug abuse and the obligation to report knowledge of a death.