No arrests yet in beating death of teen

Akron, Ohio: 17-year-old Ethan Liming, a senior at Firestone Community Learning Center, was beaten to death on the night of Thursday, June 2 in the parking lot near the I Promise School on West Market Street.

According to new information released by police, Ethan and his friends were engaged in some horseplay involving "a 'Splat R Ball' water bead blaster gel gun" near the basketball courts which evidently angered three individuals playing there. A fight broke out which left Ethan dead.

"We were told that the males on the basketball court were playing basketball recreationally, so not seemingly bothering anyone at least at that point," Lt. Michael Miller told News 5. "[Ethan] and/or the group that was with him- there was a total of four inside the vehicle that they arrived in. And again, whether the suspect half-approached the car or members inside the car got out, but we do know in short order that... a fight ensued. And during that fight [Ethan] was grounded- knocked to the ground- and then those significant injuries, etc. happened."

During a press conference on Wednesday, law enforcement said that Ethan's injuries "would suggest that there was a prolonged, intentional intent to assault him."

Etan's father, Bill Liming, a minister at Montrose Zion United Methodist Church, spoke with media after speaking with the lead detective on the case.

"Teenagers were being teenagers," he said. "I don't want to say too much about the investigation." Liming went on to say that the detective had told him that "'Your son fought for his life.' It was not over like it was like a single punch, he fell down and hit his head. That's not what happened... he was fighting for his life."

Law enforcement disclosed that the security cameras at the I Promise school did not clearly capture the attack, or images of the suspects so they are seeking assistance from the public.

A reward  of up to $5,000 for information is being offered through Summit County Crime Stoppers. Additionally, private donors have stepped forward to contribute an additional $25,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment.

Summit County Crime Stoppers can be reached at (330) 434-2677 or by texting TIPSCO to 274637. Akron Police Detectives can be reached at (330) 375-2490 or at (330) 375-2TIP [2847].