Jury Convicts Daquan Rucker of Reckless Homicide
A jury found 31-year-old Daquan Rucker guilty of reckless homicide in the 2026 shooting death of 51-year-old Richard Poole.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Violence
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Following a two-day trial, a jury convicted 31-year-old Daquan Rucker of reckless homicide, having weapons under disability, and tampering with evidence. The charges stem from a May 2026 gunfight that resulted in the death of 51-year-old Richard Poole.
Why it matters
The conviction brings legal accountability for a violent incident that occurred in the 800 block of Alan Page Drive SE. The case remains ongoing as the court prepares for the upcoming sentencing of Rucker and the separate trial of a co-defendant.
A jury convicted Daquan Rucker on counts including reckless homicide, having weapons under disability, and tampering with evidence. Larry Grimes Jr. faces separate charges of murder and felonious assault, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
The players
Daquan Rucker
He is a 31-year-old defendant from Akron who was convicted of reckless homicide.
Richard Poole
He was a 51-year-old man who died after being shot in the chest during a gunfight.
Frank G. Forchione
He is the judge who presided over the two-day jury trial in Stark County.
Larry Grimes Jr.
He is a co-defendant facing charges of murder and felonious assault.
The details
The trial, presided over by Judge Frank G. Forchione, concluded that Rucker was responsible for the death of Richard Poole during a shootout. While Rucker awaits sentencing, legal proceedings continue for Larry Grimes Jr., who is implicated in the same incident.
Timeline
May 24, 2026: Richard Poole died from gunshot wounds.
October 27, 2026: Daquan Rucker's jury trial began.
November 9, 2026: Daquan Rucker is scheduled for sentencing.
January 11, 2027: Larry Grimes Jr. is scheduled for trial.
Legal Context
The upcoming sentencing of Rucker follows the procedural framework established by the Stark County Common Pleas Court for felony convictions. This case reflects the standard judicial timeline for processing serious violent offenses within the regional court system.
The resolution of this trial provides closure to an incident that occurred in the 800 block of Alan Page Drive SE. Residents can expect continued judicial proceedings as the court addresses the remaining charges against the co-defendant.
The takeaway
The jury verdict marks a significant milestone in this Stark County homicide case. The upcoming sentencing and secondary trial will determine the final legal outcomes for those involved in the 2026 shooting.
What happens next
Daquan Rucker is scheduled for sentencing on November 9, 2026. Larry Grimes Jr. is scheduled to stand trial on January 11, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on legal developments in the area, visit Canton Violence.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Massillon Independent.
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