Michael E. Gates Jr., 38, of Canton, Ohio, was shot and killed outside his apartment in the 300 block of Ninth Street NE on May 20, 2021. The shooting took place during a gun sale that turned deadly; Gates’ death was ruled a homicide.

The investigation identified 31-year-old Zachary Becker of Doylestown, Ohio, as the person who met Gates to sell a firearm and, according to court records and testimony, fatally shot him after an altercation. Becker was arrested after attempting to evade capture and was charged with murder, felonious assault, tampering with evidence, and two firearm specifications.

The case underlines the risks of illegal firearm transactions and the toll on the victim’s family and the Canton community. If anyone knew Michael Gates, witnessed the meeting on Ninth Street NE, or has information about that gun sale, please share what you know.