Man wanted for alleged role in fatal shooting 4-year-old is arrested after lengthy search

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (TCD) -- A 22-year-old man was arrested after spending nearly two years on the run for allegedly playing a role in the shooting death of a 4-year-old boy during a robbery.

On Jan. 21, the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Fugitive Task Force announced agents located Andre McCoy at a home on the 1100 block of Parkhill Drive in Youngstown and arrested him. He was taken into custody on charges of aggravated murder, attempted murder, felonious assault, and aggravated burglary in connection with the death of Rowan Sweeney and injury of four others. The U.S. Marshals said all charges will have firearms specifications.

Court records show McCoy faces 13 charges in all, and he is being held in the Mahoning County Jail without bond.

The statement alleges 18-year-old Brandon Crump and 26-year-old Kimonie Bryant also played roles in the robbery and shooting at Sweeney's mother's house on Sept. 21, 2020.

WKBN-TV reports Sweeney’s mother’s boyfriend, Yarnell Green, had a large amount of cash in the house from cashing COVID-19 stimulus checks. McCoy went inside and allegedly texted Bryant about seeing the money. A person reportedly walked into the house, opened fire, and took the cash.

Sweeney’s mother Alexis Schneider, Green, and McCoy were all injured in the shooting.

Prosecutors reportedly argued Crump, one of the other suspects, took a video of "a large amount of cash in denominations consistent with the cash Green had on the table at the time of the shootings."

Bryant reportedly turned himself in after the shooting, and the U.S. Marshals said agents arrested Crump about a month later.

McCoy was reportedly hospitalized due to his injuries but later disappeared. The U.S. Marshals said he has been wanted since he was indicted in March 2021.

According to WKBN, Bryant and McCoy could each face the death penalty if they are convicted. Crump, however, is not eligible because he was a juvenile at the time of the shooting.

In his obituary, Rowan’s family described him as "full of spirit," saying, "Though small in stature, was a leader, not a follower."

He loved superheroes such as Spider-Man and Batman, playing Fortnite, and adoring his little sister.

The obituary read, "He loved giving cuddles to people when they were sad and always found a way to make them happy, even if it was giving them a fistful of flowers he pulled from the yard. Rowan was taken from this world too soon and he will forever be remembered for his contagious smile, sweet nature, and love for life."

MORE:

• Andre McCoy, Wanted for Death of 4-Year-Old Boy, Has Been Arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service - U.S. Marshals Service
• State of Ohio vs. Andre McCoy
• More details released in Rowan Sweeney case, 12/9/2021 - WKBN
• Suspect in Rowan Sweeney murder arrested after years-long search - WKBN
• Rowan Brandon Sweeney, Struthers, Ohio, 10/1/2020 - WKBN