Third suspect in 2022 shooting gets probation

SANDUSKY — An Erie County judge on Tuesday sentenced a third suspect to probation for his involvement in a 2022 Perkins Township dormitory shooting. Erie County Common Pleas Court Judge Beverly McGookey sentenced DaQuan Brown, 22, of Toledo, to three years of probation. DaQuan's brother and co-defendant Delonnie Brown, 28, of Toledo, was sentenced last Tuesday to 11 to 15 years in prison for his role in 24-year-old Cleveland resident Dontre Tate's January 2022 death. DaQuan Brown pleaded guilty on April 23 to one count of burglary and tampering with evidence, both felony charges. Before being sentenced, DaQuan Brown addressed the judge and expressed remorse for his actions. "The only reason that I went up there that day was to try and stop chaos from happening, but I ended up being caught in the midst of it," DaQuan Brown said. "And I truly apologize to (Tate's) family, and I truly apologize to anyone affected by the situation." DaQuan Brown's lawyer, Bob Dixon, had asked prior to sentencing that McGookey keep in mind that DaQuan has already served two years as a result of this crime and also suffered a gunshot wound to his leg as a result of the incident. Dixon also pointed to his clients lack of a prior criminal record. "Judge, what's really important to me, and I think the court should consider, is what he has done since this and actually before it," Dixon said. "My understanding is that he had no record and no brushes with the law." Background At about 12:45 a.m. on Jan. 17, 2022, officers responded to a report of a large group of people gathered inside a dormitory building on Milan Road (U.S. 250) for a birthday party hosted for Quinton Cangelo, 24, of Sandusky. At some point during the party, an alleged argument broke out between Cangelo and Tate. Cangelo then left the party and later recruited Delonnie Brown and DaQuan Brown to return with him to the party to confront Tate. All three men returned to the party, and a physical altercation ensued, according to police. During the fight, Delonnie Brown allegedly pulled out a handgun and fired one shot which struck Tate in the chest and resulted in his death, and the second gunshot struck DaQuan Brown's leg. Cangelo pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four-to-six years in prison on counts of reckless homicide and burglary, both felonies. Perkins police Detective Joe Rotuno, whose agency was the lead on the investigation, expressed relief that the case had concluded. "I'm happy to hear that the case is now over as this was a terrible tragedy," Rotuno said.