MANSFIELD — A 25-year-old and a 15-year-old have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the Aug. 17 shooting death of 18-year-old Ja’Myrion Hobbs.
Yaounde Andrew Hawthorne, 25, was arrested Thursday by members of the Richland County A.S.O.R.T. (Allied Special Operation Response Team), the METRICH Enforcement Unit and officers from the Mansfield Police Department.
Hawthorne is incarcerated at the Richland County Jail with bail set at $5 million plus personal recognizance, according to Mansfield Municipal Court records. A preliminary hearing is set for Aug. 28.
Mansfield Police Chief Jason Bammann confirmed the joint response was to execute a warrant in connection with Hobb’s death. The arrest took place around 6:30 p.m. at a residence on Maple Street in Mansfield.
A 15-year-old was also arrested and taken into custody at a separate location in connection with Hobbs’ death.
Bammann said the arrests were possible due to valuable tips provided by members of the community, which gave detectives the information needed to secure the arrest warrants.
“This case demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when law enforcement and the community work together,” Bammann said. “By working together, we can continue to enhance the safety and security of our community.”
Hobbs was shot to death Sunday in an alley that connects Lexington Avenue and South Main Street, according to police.
Bob Ball, chief investigator for the Richland County Coroner’s Office, said Monday that Hobbs, a Mansfield resident, was shot multiple times.
The victim turned 18 in June, Ball said.
Bammann said Hobbs’ killing appeared to be targeted and that there is no immediate danger to the public.
Chief said leads from the public were crucial to arrests
Hobbs’ death was the first homicide in Mansfield in 2025, but the city experienced a rash of violence in 2023 with nine shooting homicides.
In the past, Bammann said there have been times when police had to “beg” the community to come forward with information.
The chief said he thinks the influx of information is a sign the community growing weary of the youth gun violence.
“I think it’s just the community is tired of this gun violence with these juveniles,” he said. “They’re tired of seeing these kids get killed and killing each other.
“We probably wouldn’t have cracked the case if it wasn’t for all these leads.”
The case of Hobbs’ death remains an active investigation. Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact Detective Korey Kaufman at 419-755-9748.
Bammann said Hawthorne has not been charged in connection with any other murders at this time.
“His name has popped up for some other things around the city, but I can’t go into specifics,” the chief said.