'Somebody knows who did it,' Detectives and family hope for answers in 2011 Christmas murder
Alex Wells was ambushed in the driveway of his West Akron home on Christmas night in 2011 by two men wearing black clothing and ski masks.
Both had guns and ordered Wells and his girlfriend to get down on the ground.
The man holding the gun on Wells asked him for the alarm passcode to his house, while the other pistol-whipped and kicked Wells’ girlfriend, then tried to put zip ties on her.
She saw the chance — and ran. A bullet struck her in the shoulder. She heard several more shots but kept running.
She survived but Wells, 46, did not. He was shot 10 times.
More than 12 years later, the identity of those two men remains a mystery. Wells’ family members, though, haven’t given up hope they’ll be identified and brought to justice.
“As long as I’m alive, and the rest of my brothers and sisters are alive, I do have hope,” said one of Wells' 10 children, who asked not to be named because of safety concerns.
Wells' child, who was in college when Wells was killed, has built a good life and thinks Wells would be proud. That life is devoid of the drugs and crime that likely got Wells killed.
“Never do what I do,” Wells had told the child.
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Like Wells’ family members, Akron detectives also think this case can be solved. With two men involved, they figure, someone knows something, and — after so much time has passed — might now be willing to share it.
“I think somebody knows who did it,” said Lt. Dave Whiddon. “It’s a fact that somebody’s going to come sit down with us.”
Alex Wells was a family man with a dark side
Wells was very outgoing and regularly got the family together for cookouts and holidays.
He liked to go to amusement parks, fish and wash his car.
“He wanted his kids in his life,” Wells' child said.
Alex and Jewell Wells had six kids together and divorced. Wells also had four children with other women.
Wells drove a truck for Schwebel’s and Wonder Bread and then operated his own trucking business in which he hauled gasoline for GetGo.
Wells, though, also lived a life of crime, which was a family tradition. Barbara Wells, his mother, was busted on drug charges numerous times, according to police.
Eugene Calvin Wells, Alex’s older brother, was arrested on federal charges in 2018 for trafficking heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl between Akron and West Virginia. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison in November 2019, according to court records.
Eugene Calvin Wells Jr., who was named after his father, was arrested for shooting a man in broad daylight in June 2019 outside an Akron corner store. He claimed self-defense but was convicted of murder and sentenced in November 2022 to life in prison with possible parole after 18 years.
Alex Wells also was convicted on drug possession and trafficking charges, according to court records.
“The only thing he knew was drugs, but it is like he didn’t wanna do that,” Wells' child said. “But that’s the only thing that he knew, and, I think, once he was in too deep, there was no way out.”
Multiple people killed in Akron in December 2011
On Christmas Day in 2011, Alex Wells delivered gifts to several of his kids' houses.
He and his girlfriend, a 32-year-old Akron woman, went to a hotel in Cuyahoga Falls. He was taking her home when he got a phone call. He told her he needed to stop at his house.
When they arrived at his Hardesty Boulevard home about 11:15 p.m., she stayed in the car while he went inside.
As Wells was coming out, two armed men emerged from behind his garage and ordered Wells and his girlfriend to get on the ground.
Wells’ girlfriend ran and was grazed by a bullet. Wells was shot multiple times in the head and torso. Police later confirmed the bullets came from two different guns.
The alarm to the house went off, which could indicate the men attempted to get inside. Detectives, though, said nothing appeared to be stolen, including more than 26 pounds of marijuana and a .45-caliber handgun.
Wells’ shooting was among eight homicides in Akron in a three-week period, which Whiddon said is among the most he’s seen in such a short span during his more than 30 years with the Akron Police Department.
“None of these cases were related — I'm confident saying that,” Whiddon said.
Who knew Wells would be there, detectives wonder
Detectives think Wells’ shooting may be tied to the large amount of drugs in his home.
Whiddon said the would-be robbers may have panicked and just started shooting when Wells’ girlfriend ran. He said it’s unclear how Wells reacted because he was on the opposite side of the car from his girlfriend.
“It’s quite possible this was, you know, some type of drug robbery that just went bad,” Whiddon said.
Answering these two questions could be key to solving the murder: Who knew Wells had drugs in his home and that he would make an unscheduled stop at his home? Wells was shot in the driveway toward the back of his house.
“When we’re talking Christmas night, 11:15 at night, it’s dark. How do they know he’s going to pull in there?” Whiddon asked. “That’s what the kind of mystery is — it's somebody in his close circle.”
Whiddon said the two men wanted the passcode to Wells’ house, so they knew there was something inside.
Whiddon said there’s no DNA in the case, so this one would need to be solved through someone providing information.
“He has several children,” Whiddon said. “So, it would be nice to give them some closure — to figure out who was responsible for this.”
Wells’ child escapes from the life father warned about
One of Wells' daughters saw him at a gas station on the day he was killed.
Wells spent time with three of his sons that day.
Another of Wells' children kept thinking about calling Wells that day but didn't call.
“It was like it was meant for us to have him on the mind or run into him,” his child said.
Wells' murder fueled his child to avoid following in Wells' footsteps. The child found mentors in the workplace and made a pact with a close friend.
“We said, ‘We’re gonna make it,’” the child recalled. “'We’re gonna make it out. We’re gonna be successful and we’re gonna make sure that we’re good in life.'”
During the pandemic, the child left Akron and is now married with three children and recently started a new job.
The child has a fond memory of the last time seeing Wells, a few months before he was killed. They went to dinner, and Wells encouraged the child to order lavishly, and at the end of the meal, handed over the bill.
After that, it was a sunny day, and “Just in Case” by Jaheim came on the radio. The two of them sang it together as they rode along.
The child has continued two traditions started with Wells with their own kids — washing the car and going to amusement parks.
Wells is buried in Glendale Cemetery in Akron, but his grave is not marked by a headstone.
His child plans to get a headstone for Wells' grave before his next birthday on Sept. 4. Wells would have been 59 this year.
“All around, he was a great guy,” the child said. “It’s just that I think he got the wrong end of the stick.”
Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com or 330-996-3705. Paula Schleis can be reached at feedback@ohiomysteries.com.
What we know about the 2011 Christmas murder
Name: Alex Wells.
Age: 46.
Residence: Akron.
Date of incident: Dec. 25, 2011.
Location: Wells’ home on Hardesty Boulevard.
Circumstances: Wells was shot to death in the driveway of his home. His girlfriend was also shot but survived. Robbery is a possible motive.
Investigating agency: Akron Police Department. Contact the detective bureau at 330-375-2490.
About the Unresolved series:
To read past stories in this series, visit Beacon Journal.com. To listen to podcasts that are part of the series, visit the Ohio Mysteries' website. Send tips for future stories to Beacon Journal reporter Stephanie Warsmith at swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com.
Each Unresolved episode features a story, podcast, photos, police reports and fact boxes.
Here's a look at the episodes they've done so far.
Episode 1: Janice Christensen
In 1987, Janice Christensen of Cuyahoga Falls went for a run on the Summit County Bike and Hike Trail, where she was raped and killed by a man who has never been caught. Now, Hudson police hope a partnership with Ohio's new Cold Case Unit will identify her killer through DNA found at the crime scene.
Podcast: Unresolved Ep. 1
Beacon Journal package: Questions remain in 1987 Hudson murder case
Episode 2: Melissa and Jasmine Collins
In 1991, 17-year-old mom Melissa Collins and her 8-month old baby girl, Jasmine, vanished from their West Akron apartment. In the decades since, police have searched a local park and followed leads to other states in search of the pair. And now, 30 years later, women are calling Akron police to ask: Could I be the missing Jasmine?
Podcast: Unresolved Ep. 2
Beacon Journal package: An Akron mother and baby disappeared 30 years ago. Will they every be found?
Episode 3: Roderick Clemons
In 1991, 26-year-old Roderick Clemons wanted to ask for a transfer from the Church's Chicken restaurant in Akron, where he was assistant manager. There were too many shady characters in the Copley Road neighborhood, he told his mom. But Clemons never got the chance to request the change.
Podcast: Unresolved Ep. 3
Beacon Journal package: Akron police still seek answers in 1991 cold case
Episode 4: Leslie Ann Barker
In 1978, Akron schoolteacher Leslie Ann Barker went to the Red's discotheque with a friend to participate in a new matchmaking event. That morning, she was found dead in her burning car. To this day, Barker's colleagues and loved ones wonder what happened to the outgoing young woman who was looking for love but found death instead.
Podcast: Unresolved Ep. 4.
Beacon Journal package: After 43 years, Akron teacher's slaying remains a mystery
Episode 5: Jeanette Bartee and Roy Addison
In April 2002, Roy Addison and Jeanette Bartee were both shot and killed, execution-style, in broad daylight. Both struggled with addictions, and detectives suspect they were targeted because of something they did or saw. Family members still hope for answers and think someone may have seen something that could assist the investigation.
Podcast: Unresolved Ep. 5
Beacon Journal package: Unresolved: Who killed Roy Addison and Jeanette Bartee? Akron case remains a mystery
Episode 6: Phyllis Mosley
In August 1971, Phyllis Mosley was found by her 11-year-old daughter shot to death in her bed. The murder of Mosley, 28, changed the lives of her four children, who struggled with addictions and other demons. Fifty years after Mosley's slaying, her children hope her death won't be forgotten even if it's never solved.
Podcast: Unresolved Ep. 6.
Beacon Journal package: ‘The pain of losing her’: Siblings hope for justice 50 years after mother’s unsolved murder
Episode 7: The Patel Family
In October 1991, a mother, father and their 6-year-old daughter were killed, execution- style at their house next to the infamous Steve's Motel. Sheriff's deputies initially thought the motive for killing the Patel family, who operated the motel, might have been murder. Deputies now have a different theory — hired hitmen who were famous mobsters were hired by someone with designs on the valuable property in Green.
Podcast: Unresolved Ep. 7
Beacon Journal package: A hired hit, a flying robber and 3 murders: New details emerge in Steve's Motel killings
Episode 8: Jeff Sauber
In September 1980, Jeff Sauber, 18, a Marine on his first leave, is fatally stabbed at a drive-in theater in Coventry Township after watching a movie about a vigilante killer. His mother sued the theater, saying her son's killer might have been incited by the violent flick. Sheriff detectives, though, think the attack may have been prompted by a racial exchange. Detectives have a suspect but, so far, not enough evidence to charge him.
Podcast: Unresolved Ep. 8
Beacon Journal package: A vigilante film, hypnosis and a racial slur: Could new clues solve 1980 drive-in slaying?
Episode 9: JoAnn Bartholomew
In October 1987, JoAnn Bartholomew, a Stow wife, mother and business owner, was found stabbed to death in the woods near Chapel Hill Mall in Akron. She was one of four women slain in Summit County that year, leading to concern that this could be the work of a serial killer. Detectives, though, quickly concluded the cases weren't linked. All but one of the cases, including Bartholomew's, remain unsolved.
Podcast: Unresolved Ep. 9
Beacon Journal package Stow woman's stabbing death near Chapel Hill Mall remains a mystery after 34 years
Episode 10: DeShawn Brown
In March 2004, DeShawn Brown, a North High and University of Akron star running back, was found dead in his Akron apartment, shot through a glass window on his door. His family members are still hoping to find out who killed him. Detectives, though, say this will be challenging because of a lack of evidence.
Podcast: Unresolved Ep. 10
Beacon Journal package: 'We want to know why': Family seeks answers in 2004 fatal shooting of Akron football star
Episode 11 (Part 1): Ruth Guthrie and Tommy Sumerix
In the summer of 1963, two Summit County youths disappeared within a week of each other. The vanishings of Tommy Sumerix, 15, and Ruth Guthrie, 12, so close together prompted some to worry about whether someone might be kidnapping local children. Months passed with no answers. Then, in May of 1964, a farm owner in Portage County and mushroom hunters in Stark County made sad discoveries.
Podcast: Unresolved Ep. 11, Part 1
Beacon Journal package: Families left with ‘What ifs?’ when two Summit County youths disappear nearly 60 years ago
Episode 11 (Part 1): Ruth Guthrie and Tommy Sumerix
In the summer of 1963, two Summit County youths disappeared within a week of each other. The vanishings of Tommy Sumerix, 15, and Ruth Guthrie, 12, so close together prompted some to worry about whether someone might be kidnapping local children. Months passed with no answers. Then, in May of 1964, a farm owner in Portage County and mushroom hunters in Stark County made sad discoveries.
Podcast: Unresolved Ep. 11, Part 1
Beacon Journal package: Families left with ‘What ifs?’ when two Summit County youths disappear nearly 60 years ago
Episode 12: Charles Wright
Charles Wright was shot and killed in May 2004 while sitting in the driveway of his Akron home, talking to his girlfriend on his cell phone. The postal worker had just returned from a trip to Las Vegas. Detectives wonder if the killer may have intended to rob Wright -- for money or drugs they thought he had -- but panicked when they realized he was on the phone. Detectives and family members still hope that his killer may still be caught.
Podcast:
Beacon Journal package: 'He was such a good dude': Mysterious slaying of Akron mailman in 2004 remains unsolved
Ep. 13: Sam Hughes
Sam Hughes, 31, was found beaten to death in his Akron home on Dec. 12, 2006. His mother and brother think his death may have been tied to him using and selling drugs. Despite his drug use, they say he didn't deserve the violent end to his life. Both them and Akron detectives haven't given up hope that his murder can be solved. In fact, detectives think they may have already talked to his killer.
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Beacon Journal package: 'I've never given up hope': Akron man's mysterious murder remains unsolved 16 years later
Ep. 15: Mary Yocono
Mary Yocono was struck in a hit-and-run crash in November 1985 while walking home from a friend's across the street from her family's Italian restaurant in West Akron. The 79-year-old grandmother perished and the driver of the car that struck her was never identified. Akron detectives, who no longer have a file on the case, don't hold out much hope. But the family, who operated the popular Yocono's restaurant for nearly 30 years, would still love for this mystery to be solved.
Podcast:
Beacon Journal package: Who killed Mary Yocono? Hit-and-run death of Akron restaurant matriarch in 1985 unsolved
Ep. 16: Javan and Markus Rogers
Akron brothers Javan and Markus Rogers were shot and killed within months of each other in 2002. Years later, both murders remain unsolved. Detectives say they aren't sure if the slayings are linked, though they think both cases are tied to drugs. To solve either or both, detectives say, they'll need someone to come forward with information.
Podcast:
Beacon Journal package: Who killed Javan and Markus Rogers? Akron brothers’ murders remain unsolved after 21 years
Ep. 17: Greg Peters
Greg Peters, an employee at the Odd Corner near the University of Akron campus, was killed on the night before Thanksgiving in 2003. A man wearing a bandana and carrying a gun entered the store, presumably to rob it, then shot Peters without taking anything and ran. Friends and family of Peters still hope his killer will be caught.
Podcast:
Beacon Journal package: 'A problem at the Odd Corner': 20 years later, clerk Greg Peters' slaying remains a mystery
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Detectives and family hope for answers in Akron man's 2011 slaying
