Investigation continues into killing of two Toledo residents

10/11/2017
BY RYAN DUNN
BLADE STAFF WRITER
  • CTY-DoubleHomicide10p-9

    Police investigate a shooting Tuesday, October 10, 2017, at 729 Brighton Ave. in South Toledo.

    The Blade/Katie Rausch
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    • The investigation continues in the fatal shootings of two 18-year-olds, as the Toledo police chief urged the public to help law enforcement solve the crime.

    First responders found Gregory Stone and Deiyana Porter with gunshot wounds about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday inside a car. The couple was parked behind a house in the 700 block of Brighton Avenue.

    Dr. James Patrick, Lucas County coroner, said Mr. Stone was shot six times and Ms. Porter was shot seven times. The gunshots caused multiple internal injuries, but the victims also were struck in the extremities, Dr. Patrick said.

    The killings concluded a four-day stretch in the city that totaled 10 gunshot victims. Detectives are reviewing the Sunday homicide of Dantana Cunningham, 25. Mr. Cunningham was fatally shot inside his home in the 300 block of Chapin Street.

    Witnesses also reported a shooting early Tuesday at a house in the 800 block of Lorain Street. City residents Jimmy Overton, 18, Terriana Kirkwood, 21, and Tyshawn Williams, 19, were all struck.

    Sgt. Kevan Toney, police spokesman, said there is no clear evidence tying together the three cases. He said he could not yet rule out a connection, however.

    In a Facebook post, Chief George Kral described the killing of Mr. Stone and Ms. Porter as “cold-blooded.” It leaves their families to mourn and causes worry in the neighborhood, he said.

    “Enough is enough — as a community we cannot stand for this senseless violence. For those with knowledge of these homicides, SPEAK UP. For those with knowledge of young people with firearms, SPEAK UP,” he wrote.

    The chief reiterated that the number of shooting incidents and overall crime are down compared to each of the past two years.

    “We receive numerous crime tips daily and appreciate those who already devote much of their time to help the department in our efforts,” he said.

    Tipsters can call the Crime Stopper program at 419-255-1111. Callers may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.

    Staff writer Mark Zaborney contributed.

    Contact Ryan Dunn at rdunn@theblade.com, 419-724-6095, or on Twitter @RDunnBlade.