Man from Mogadore who killed a woman in a car accident while under the influence of drugs has to go to prison

AKRON, Ohio – A Summit County judge on Wednesday sentenced a Mogadore man to a minimum term of 10 years in prison for causing a car crash that killed a woman while under the influence of several drugs.

Daniel Shanaberger, 37, could spend up to 14 years in prison in 2023 for the death of Ta'Shanna Junius, 33, of Akron, according to a news release from Summit County District Attorney Elliot Kolkovich. Shanaberger's driver's license was also revoked for life.

The ruling came after Shanaberger pleaded no contest in June and pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter, aggravated assault and driving under the influence.

Prosecutors stated that on March 14, 2023, Julius was stopping her vehicle at a red light at the intersection of Manchester Road and West Wilbeth Road when her vehicle was struck from behind by a vehicle driven by Shanaberger. The impact caused Julius' vehicle to strike another car, seriously injuring another driver.

Shanaberger was under the influence of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, morphine, marijuana and hydrocodone at the time of the accident, prosecutors said.

“My heart breaks for Ta'Shanna Junius and her family, including Ta'Shanna's young daughter, who Ta'Shanna had dropped off at daycare shortly before the accident,” Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich said in a statement. “Ta'Shanna was a beloved member of the community and her death is a tragedy that will be felt for years to come.”

“This was a horrific incident and I am pleased to know that the defendant will spend a significant amount of time in prison.”