Akron man who pleaded guilty to murdering Lyft driver sentenced to life in prison

Rachel Roukey spoke through tears Thursday afternoon, recounting the last time she saw her husband Kristopher Roukey alive before he was gunned down in 2021.

"We had a quick kiss, said our 'I love you's,' and he was headed to work," Roukey said. "It wasn't supposed to be the last time I saw him."

Now, nearly three years after Roukey's murder, Kahlyl Powe was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 19 years in his death. He pleaded guilty in early May to one count of murder, a firearm specification, carrying a concealed weapon and improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle.

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Powe also pleaded guilty to multiple charges across three unrelated different cases including assault on a peace officer and felonious assault.

Roukey, 48, was killed on May 2, 2021, when he worked for the ride-sharing service Lyft. Akron police said he was shot at about 5 p.m. near East Market Street and Buchtel Avenue.

Three years of proceedings

Multiple motions, hearings and delays dragged the case out for nearly three years. Most recently in the fall of 2023, after going through three mental health evaluations, Summit County Common Pleas Judge Alison McCarty found Powe competent to stand trial.

For Roukey's family and friends who viewed the proceedings via Zoom with their cameras switched off, each hearing caused new grief.

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"It pains me. I have to apologize to the family and friends for being victimized," said Jon Baumoel, assistant Summit County prosecutor.

Although McCarty commended Power for striking a plea deal, she said it does not make up for the last three years.

"You are truly deserving of this sentence," she said. "Are you aware of how long and how hard you fought to escape responsibility?"

Standing before the court, Powe read an apology letter to the family.

"I would like to show my sympathy to the family of the victim because of my adolescent immaturity," he said. "I am truly sorry."

His attorneys, Edward Smith and John Alexander, told McCarty they were thankful the matter could be resolved without a trial.

An outpouring of support

As Roukey spoke about her husband, she said she felt the support of everyone present. Dozens of people packed the courtroom benches and more than 50 people appeared virtually on Zoom.

"I'm so appreciative of everyone who showed up," she said after the hearing. "Hundreds and hundreds of people have reached out and sent me letters."

Although she wished for a life without parole sentence, Roukey said speaking at the hearing gave her a sense of closure — something she didn't expect.

"I was concerned it wouldn't help, but it did," she said. "I'm thankful it's over."

Bryce Buyakie covers courts and public safety for the Beacon Journal. He can be reached by email at bbuyakie@gannett.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @bryce_buyakie