Three Arrested After Deadly Airbnb Shooting, Probe Highlights Forensic Work

Bath Township authorities announced arrests on November 21 in the investigation into a mass shooting that killed an 18 year old at an Airbnb rental on November 2. Police charged 18 year old Derquan Edwards and 19 year old Jashawn Stewart each with one count of murder and nine counts of felonious assault. A 16 year old juvenile was charged with delinquency to commit murder and nine counts of delinquency to commit felonious assault.

The victim who died was identified as 18 year old Elijah Wells, who was shot multiple times during the party at the rental and later succumbed to his injuries. Several other people at the gathering were wounded. Authorities said they expect additional charges may be filed and that the case will be presented to a grand jury after the Thanksgiving holiday.

Investigators credited a combination of ballistic analysis, digital evidence and witness accounts in building their case. A probe into a stolen firearm led to the arrest of Edwards in New Philadelphia on November 14. Stewart was taken into custody following a car chase on November 18. Law enforcement officials emphasized that the investigation relied on coordination among multiple agencies, and that data sharing and forensic work were central to identifying and locating suspects.

The arrests and the methods used will be of particular interest to readers focused on criminal investigation techniques and the mechanics of prosecuting mass violence. Ballistic testing that links recovered shell casings and firearms provides a technical backbone to witness testimony and digital traces. Digital evidence typically includes cellphone location data, social media posts and messaging that can corroborate timelines. The involvement of a juvenile suspect raises separate procedural questions about how delinquency cases proceed in contrast with adult criminal prosecutions.

For community members who host gatherings or use short term rentals, the case raises urgent questions about safety, neighbor notification and the responsibilities of property owners and platforms. For hobbyists who follow forensic developments, the case provides a contemporary example of how traditional investigative tools and modern data systems interact in real time to produce arrests.

Officials said they will continue to investigate and refine charges as more evidence is reviewed and presented to prosecutors. The coming grand jury proceedings and any subsequent indictments or court filings will be the key next milestones to track as the legal process moves forward.