Akron - Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh announced today that Summit County Common Pleas Court Judge Tammy O’Brien sentenced Duane Lucas, 30, of Sparhawk Avenue in Akron, to life in prison for the murder of Brittany Littlejohn.
Lucas will be eligible for parole after serving 25 years of his sentence.
On February 23, 2018, Lucas pled guilty to Murder with a Gun Specification, felony trafficking in heroin, 3rd degree felony possession of heroin, 5th degree felony domestic violence and 3rd degree felony having weapons under disability.
“This cowardly act left an enormous hole for Brittany’s family and friends. They showed incredible strength and resilience as they packed the courtroom today to support Brittany,” said Prosecutor Walsh. “I was especially impressed by Brittany’s young daughter who gave an inspiring statement to the court during the sentencing. My hope is today’s sentence will help them heal from this horrible tragedy.”
On February 21, 2017, 31-year-old Brittany Littlejohn was found shot to death on the front patio of her Romig Road apartment. Akron Police arrested Lucas the next day. At the time of his arrest, Lucas had a bag containing a shirt and shoes which had his DNA as well as the victim’s blood. There were several witnesses to the crime and Lucas’ DNA was on the gun used to shoot Littlejohn.
The Trafficking in Heroin charge are related to an incident in 2016 where Summit County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a domestic dispute involving Lucas. During their investigation, Deputies discovered three bags of heroin as well as other drug paraphernalia in Lucas’ vehicle