A wave of violence gripped Toledo, Ohio over the Fourth of July holiday, leaving four people dead and two others injured in a 24-hour period. Toledo Police responded to multiple fatal incidents between July 4 and the early hours of July 5, marking one of the deadliest stretches the city has seen in recent years.
Authorities and local leaders are now pleading for calm as the community reels from the devastation.
Incident Timeline:
- July 4, 3:30 a.m. —
Marcus White, 35, was fatally stabbed, becoming the first victim of the holiday weekend. The incident led to the arrest of Paris Johnson, also 35, who now faces a murder charge. Police say the investigation into the motive is ongoing. - July 4, 4:45 p.m. —
Jaycieon Bennett, a 17-year-old teenager, was shot and killed while inside a vehicle on Baden Street near South Avenue. Another occupant in the vehicle was also shot but is expected to recover. No arrests have been made. - July 5, 12:17 a.m. —
Salvador Ruiz, 20, was fatally shot near Platt and 1st Street. A second person inside the vehicle with Ruiz was not harmed. Investigators have not named any suspects, and no one is currently in custody. - July 5, 12:20 a.m. —
Just minutes after the Ruiz shooting, Amir Thomas-Clair, 20, was shot while riding in a vehicle that crashed on Nevada Street. He died at the scene. Another individual in the vehicle was critically injured and remains hospitalized. Police have not made any arrests.
A City Shaken by Violence
The spate of deadly incidents marks the first time since December 2022 that four homicides have occurred in Toledo within a two-day span, according to homicide records maintained by 13 Action News.
Toledo Police are urging the public to come forward with any information that could help identify suspects or motives in these cases. Detectives are actively working all four investigations, but the lack of immediate arrests in three of the incidents underscores the challenges police face.
Community members and anti-violence advocates have expressed deep concern over the rising toll of gun violence and violent crime in the city. Many are calling for expanded youth programs, mental health resources, and neighborhood-based intervention efforts to address the root causes.
Call for Action
Anyone with information about any of the incidents is encouraged to contact Toledo Police or leave anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
As families grieve and neighborhoods struggle to make sense of the violence, the city of Toledo finds itself once again at a crossroads — demanding answers, accountability, and above all, peace.
🕊️ Rest in peace to Marcus White, Jaycieon Bennett, Salvador Ruiz, and Amir Thomas-Clair. May their memories be a call to change and a reminder of what’s at stake.
