Stow police investigate death of woman found shot in Vira Road home

Stow police and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation agents are investigating the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Larretta Ann Allison inside her home on Vira Road. The investigation is classified as a domestic homicide. No arrests have been made as of Thursday evening.

Allison’s family and friends gathered on Thursday to release purple and black balloons in her memory. They surrounded photos and candlelight while playing music. Family members referred to Allison by her nickname, Rett.

Officers first arrived at a house in the 4100 block of Vira Road around 5:20 p.m. on Wednesday. They responded to assist a landlord with a tenant issue. Upon entering the residence, police located Allison’s body. The Summit County Medical Examiner later identified the victim and confirmed she sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators determined she had been deceased for some time before officers arrived.

A relative initiated a welfare check after days passed without contact from Allison. Her family stated she usually spoke with someone daily. The relative went to the home at the same time police were responding.

Allison leaves behind two children. Her aunt, Carolyn Mims-Nelson, said the family is focused on supporting the kids. “We got to be there for the kids. The kids are the most important thing for us,” Mims-Nelson said.

Another aunt, Adrian Mims, recalled Allison’s personality. “Loretta, she was silly, but she also was sweet. She loved her kids. I could say that she loved her whole family inside and out,” Mims said. “And she was a funny person at times. I miss her. We all miss her.”

Family members expressed a desire for the case to serve as a warning about domestic violence. Mims-Nelson urged people facing similar situations to seek help. “Domestic violence is not a joke,” she said. The family has launched a GoFundMe account. Anyone with information is asked to call the Stow Police Department Detective Bureau at (330) 689-5770.