Elyria, Ohio — A Lorain County jury has found Henry Spooner IV guilty on multiple charges in connection with the 2022 shooting death of Jordan Flanigan.
On the evening of October 27, 2022, Elyria Police officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 1800 block of Middle Avenue around 7:46 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found Flanigan lying in the grass with a gunshot wound. Life-saving measures were administered until medics from Lifecare Ambulance and the Elyria Fire Department arrived. Flanigan was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 7:55 p.m.
Following an investigation, Elyria detectives identified Spooner as the suspect. On January 26, 2023, he was indicted by a Lorain County Grand Jury on several charges, including three counts of murder, two counts of felonious assault, having weapons under disability, tampering with evidence, and improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle.
The jury trial began on July 15, 2025. On July 22, 2025, Spooner was convicted on the following charges:
- Murder (Ohio Revised Code 2903.02(B))
- Felonious Assault (ORC 2903.11(A)(1)) with a firearm specification
- Felonious Assault (ORC 2903.11(A)(2)) with a firearm specification
- Improperly Handling Firearms in a Motor Vehicle (ORC 2923.16(B))
“This tragic and senseless act of violence has had a lasting impact on the lives of those affected,” said Elyria Police Chief James Welsh. “Thanks to the tireless efforts of our officers, detectives, and the Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office, justice has been served.”
The Elyria Police Department stated it remains committed to holding violent offenders accountable and maintaining public safety throughout the city.