- On March 10, 2023, Steven Q. Troyer was fatally shot.
- The individual responsible for his death was sentenced to prison on Thursday morning.
- The prosecutor described the killer as displaying a ‘callous indifference for human life.’
In Canton, Dawn Troyer, the sister of the deceased, expressed that the man who took her brother’s life had transformed into what he aspired to be—a “gangsta.” Steven Q. Troyer, a 55-year-old husband and father from Canton, was known for his work at Shearer’s Foods and his daily lunchtime calls to his mother, Edna.
Addressing 21-year-old Damon Mitchell during his sentencing before Judge Frank Forchione at Stark County Common Pleas Court, Dawn Troyer condemned him, labeling him as a coward, drug abuser, and thug. She expressed her contempt towards Mitchell, emphasizing his lack of remorse and the heinous nature of his actions.
Following Dawn Troyer’s statement, Mitchell was sentenced to prison until at least 2062, potentially facing life imprisonment as permitted by law. Mitchell was convicted of multiple offenses, including the murder of Steven Q. Troyer and the attempted murder of Troyer’s son, Steven A. Troyer.
Dawn Troyer delved into Mitchell’s background, uncovering numerous social media posts depicting him with firearms and glorifying a gangsta lifestyle. She confronted Mitchell during the sentencing, acknowledging his achievement of becoming the criminal he aspired to be and condemning him for his monstrous actions.
The Circumstances Surrounding Damon Mitchell’s Murderous Act
The reasons behind Mitchell’s presence in Canton, far from his Toledo residence, on that fateful morning remained unclear. Similarly, his proximity to Steven Q. Troyer’s residence on Greenfield Avenue SW puzzled many, especially his claim of being there to retrieve parts from Steven A. Troyer’s Ford Taurus, despite having no prior acquaintance with the Troyer family.
Judge Forchione speculated that Mitchell’s actions may have been influenced by drug use, specifically methamphetamine. According to Chief Criminal Prosecutor Dennis Barr, the Troyers’ day took a tragic turn when Glenda Troyer alerted her husband and son about someone tampering with their vehicle at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
Upon arriving at the scene, the Troyers confronted Mitchell, informing him that the Taurus belonged to them and requesting him to leave. Disregarding their plea, Mitchell brandished a gun and fatally shot Steven Q. Troyer before targeting his son, who managed to escape in his car.
Described by Barr as displaying a ‘callous indifference for human life,’ Mitchell’s actions were deemed senseless and brutal by the judge and prosecutors alike.
Proclaiming Innocence Amidst Sentencing
Despite maintaining his innocence throughout the trial and sentencing, Mitchell’s defense attorney, Anthony Koukoutas, and the prosecution stood firm on their positions. Mitchell, against his attorney’s advice, chose to address the court following his sentencing, expressing his innocence and intent to appeal the verdict.
In a poignant moment, Mitchell extended his condolences to the Troyer family for their loss while also criticizing his legal representation for what he perceived as inadequate support. Despite the sentencing complexities and the severity of the charges against him, Mitchell remained resolute in his belief that justice would prevail through the appeals process.
Forchione, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, emphasized the cruelty and heartbreak caused by Mitchell’s actions, underscoring the severity of the sentence imposed.
Contact Tim at 330-580-8333 or [email protected]. On Twitter: @tbotosREP