Woman Beaten to Death in Ohio Hotel; Suspect Faces Multiple Charges After Brutal Assault on Second Victim 4407
In a horrific turn of events that has shaken the community, a young woman was found brutally murdered in a hotel room in Copley, Ohio, on January 1, 2026.
The incident, initially reported by hotel staff, would soon uncover a tale of violence, fear, and human suffering—one that would take investigators down a chilling path, ultimately leading them to a second victim and a suspect with a history of brutal crime.
The case began with a call to the Copley Police Department early in the morning on January 1, 2026. Officers were dispatched to the Copley Inn & Suites on Rothrock Road, responding to reports of an apparent deceased woman in one of the hotel rooms.
Upon arrival, the scene that greeted them was one of horror and tragedy. Detectives from the Copley Police Department, working in conjunction with the Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office, quickly determined that the woman had died as a result of a violent assault.
The injuries inflicted were far beyond what could be described as mere abuse—they were signs of a prolonged and merciless attack.
The victim was identified as 24-year-old Shawnna Elizabeth Pasquale. A woman full of life, hopes, and dreams, Pasquale’s untimely and brutal death would come to symbolize not just a horrific crime, but the terror endured by many victims of domestic violence and abuse.
A Brutal and Unrelenting Attack
As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that Shawnna Pasquale’s death was no accident. Authorities confirmed that she had been beaten to death, with signs of severe physical trauma covering her body.
The extent of the violence was staggering, and it was soon evident that her killer had not been satisfied with just one assault. Rather, the cruelty and savagery involved in Pasquale’s murder indicated that her death was the culmination of a much larger and darker history of violence that stretched beyond a single night.
Detectives began piecing together her final hours. Interviews with hotel employees and individuals who knew Pasquale painted a picture of a woman caught in a web of turmoil.
Her tragic fate, it seemed, was linked to a man who had long been in her life—a man who would later be identified as 29-year-old Marcus Dangelo Price.
Price, as authorities would later discover, was not just the man responsible for Pasquale’s death, but had also been involved in a series of violent crimes, including the brutal assault of another young woman just days after Pasquale’s death.
The Missing Woman: A Chilling Discovery
Days after the discovery of Pasquale’s murder, the case took another dark turn. On January 4, 2026, a family in Akron reported that their 24-year-old daughter had gone missing.
The woman’s disappearance was concerning, but it wasn’t until the Akron Police Department began investigating that the full extent of the situation became clear. The woman, it turned out, had been abducted and was being held against her will by none other than Marcus Dangelo Price.
The investigation into the missing woman’s whereabouts led authorities to a terrifying conclusion—she was in grave danger, and her life was at risk.
Price, having already shown his capacity for violence, was now the prime suspect in what appeared to be an ongoing crime spree. He had taken the woman and subjected her to unthinkable abuse for nearly two weeks.
On January 9, 2026, following a tip from a concerned member of the community, officers located the missing woman in Akron.
She was found in the company of Marcus Price, who was taken into custody by members of the U.S. Marshals’ Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force and Akron Police.
The arrest was made on the basis of outstanding warrants related to previous crimes, and Price was apprehended without incident.
What officers discovered upon rescuing the woman was nothing short of horrifying. The woman had been brutally beaten and sexually assaulted for at least 10 days, her body covered in broken bones, deep internal injuries, and an array of cuts and bruises.
Medical staff at a local hospital, where she was rushed for treatment, described the extent of her injuries as “extensive” and “life-threatening.” The woman’s suffering was unimaginable, and the trauma she endured was a testament to the evil nature of Marcus Price’s actions.
The Arrest of Marcus Dangelo Price
Marcus Dangelo Price was charged with a multitude of serious offenses related to both the murder of Shawnna Pasquale and the brutal assault of the second woman. In addition to the charges of murder, Price faces charges of felonious assault, rape, and kidnapping.
The severity of the charges reflects the full extent of his crimes, as well as the long-lasting impact on the victims and their families.
Following his arrest, Price was held at the Summit County Jail, where he was denied bond initially. However, the charges continued to mount as investigators uncovered further details about Price’s violent tendencies and criminal history.
Price’s actions have left a trail of devastation, not only in the lives of his victims but also in the entire community, which now lives in the aftermath of his crimes.
A Heart-Wrenching Plea: Justice for Victims
On February 20, 2026, Price appeared before the court for his arraignment in Barberton Municipal Court. The courtroom was filled with emotion, as the family members of both Shawnna Pasquale and the second victim, who wished to remain anonymous, were present to witness the proceedings.
Price, standing in the defendant’s box, pleaded not guilty to all charges, which only added to the frustration and anger felt by the families of the victims.
While Marcus Price’s not guilty plea may have shocked many, it did not deter the resolve of those who were determined to see justice served.
The victims’ families, supported by the community and law enforcement, continue to push for the maximum sentence possible, hoping that Price’s trial will shine a light on the cruelty he has inflicted on so many lives.
They are seeking justice not only for Pasquale and the woman he brutally assaulted but for all those who have been silenced by abusers like Price.
Authorities have urged anyone with information about Marcus Price’s actions to come forward. Investigators continue to search for any additional victims or leads that may have been overlooked in the early stages of the investigation.
As the case progresses, the community remains hopeful that justice will prevail, and that Price will be held accountable for his heinous crimes.
The Impact on the Community and the Importance of Vigilance
The case of Shawnna Pasquale’s murder and the subsequent assault on another woman has left a lasting mark on the Akron and Copley communities.
The tragedy has sparked conversations about domestic violence, human trafficking, and the broader issues surrounding abusive relationships. It has also raised awareness about the signs of abuse and the importance of reaching out for help before it’s too late.
Law enforcement officials have emphasized the need for vigilance and awareness in the face of rising violent crime. While cases like these are heartbreaking, they serve as a reminder that victims of abuse can often be isolated and hidden in plain sight.
The victim in Akron was only found because someone took the time to listen and act. The importance of community involvement cannot be overstated, as it is often the eyes and ears of those closest to the victims that make all the difference.
In the wake of these events, the community has rallied together in support of the victims, their families, and those who have been affected by Price’s actions.
Local organizations dedicated to helping victims of abuse have increased their outreach efforts, providing resources and support for those who may be in similar situations.
As the case against Marcus Dangelo Price moves through the court system, the community holds its breath, hoping for a conviction that will bring closure to the families involved and serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of violence and abuse.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Change
The brutal crimes committed by Marcus Price are a sobering reminder of the dangers of unchecked violence. It is a call to action for both law enforcement and the public to remain vigilant in the fight against domestic violence, sexual assault, and kidnapping.
The victims of this case, both named and unnamed, have shown incredible courage in the face of unimaginable suffering. Their stories must not be forgotten, and their pursuit of justice must not falter.
As the trial continues, the families of Shawnna Pasquale and the second victim, along with advocates for victims’ rights, will continue their fight for justice.
It is their hope that this case will not only result in a conviction but also lead to a broader conversation about the importance of protecting those most vulnerable in our society.
In the end, the true tragedy of this case is not just the loss of life and the suffering of the victims, but the fact that Marcus Dangelo Price’s actions were not an isolated incident.
He is just one of many who continue to inflict harm upon others in ways that are often hidden until it is too late. This case serves as a tragic reminder that society must do more to protect those who cannot protect themselves, and to ensure that justice is not only sought but achieved.