Larretta Ann Allison was a beloved mother of two young children who her family affectionately called “Rett.” Described as silly but also sweet, she was remembered by loved ones as the life of the party. Her aunt, Carolyn Mims-Nelson, said Larretta was a wonderful girl who loved her kids dearly. Another aunt, Adrian Mims, recalled that she loved her whole family inside and out and was a funny person. At 36 years old, Larretta was a cherished part of a close-knit family that is now left to support her children in her absence.
On the evening of Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Larretta’s family grew worried. It had been a couple of days since anyone had heard from her, which was unusual because she typically spoke with a family member every day. A relative went to her home in the 4100 block of Vira Road in Stow, Ohio, to check on her. Around the same time, between 5:20 and 5:30 p.m., Stow police officers had also arrived at the residence to assist a landlord with a tenant issue.
Once inside the home, officers made a devastating discovery. Larretta was found deceased, having suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The Summit County Medical Examiner's Office pronounced her dead at the scene at 5:52 p.m. Investigators believe she had been dead for a couple of days before her body was found.
The Stow Police Department immediately launched a homicide investigation, with assistance from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Detectives began looking into all aspects of Larretta's life, including her relationships, personal history, and connections with family and friends. Police Chief Heather Prusha and Captain Bryan Snavely confirmed that an investigation was underway to identify a suspect. The case is being investigated as a domestic homicide, a detail that has deeply affected her family.
In the wake of the tragedy, Larretta’s family has spoken out to raise awareness about the dangers of domestic violence. "You read or you see things like this on TV, but you never think it’s going to happen in your family," her aunt Carolyn Mims-Nelson said. "And domestic violence is not a joke. I mean, it’s really something that needs to be handled and if you’re facing it, somebody needs to get some help." On a GoFundMe page created to help with funeral expenses and support her two children, the family stated that her "life was tragically cut short in an act of domestic violence involving the person who was supposed to love and protect her." They wrote that she was "brutally taken from this world in the one place she should have felt safe — her own home."
The day after she was found, family and friends gathered for a vigil to honor Larretta’s memory. Surrounded by music, candlelight, and photos, they released purple and black balloons as a way to send their love to her. While they mourned their profound loss, they also expressed their determination to see justice served. Her family has pledged to be there for her children, who they say are now the most important focus. They have made it clear they will not rest until someone is held accountable for her death.
As of late October 2026, no arrests had been made in the killing of Larretta Ann Allison. The investigation remains active and ongoing. The family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise $15,000 for funeral costs and to provide for her children's future. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward. The Stow Police Department has asked that tips be directed to their Detective Bureau at (330) 689-5770.
