**Toledo Reels After Deadly Holiday Weekend: Five Homicides in Three Days Amid Ongoing Gun Violence**

Toledo, OH – July 7, 2025 — A wave of deadly violence has engulfed Toledo over the holiday weekend, leaving five people dead and multiple others injured in a series of shootings that have rocked the city. The most recent tragedy unfolded overnight when one person was killed and three others critically injured in yet another shooting, marking the latest in a string of homicides that began Friday morning.

The surge in violence has prompted outrage and fear among residents, with community leaders calling for immediate action to curb the bloodshed and restore peace.

Overnight Shooting Leaves One Dead, Three Injured

Toledo Police say officers responded to reports of gunfire in the early hours of Monday in a residential neighborhood. When they arrived, they found four individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. One of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other three were transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

Authorities have not released the names of the victims from the latest incident, citing ongoing investigations and pending family notifications. No suspects have been identified at this time.

Five Homicides in One Weekend

The overnight shooting marks Toledo’s fifth homicide since Friday morning, in what officials are now calling one of the deadliest weekends the city has seen in recent memory. The victims include:

• Marcus White, 35, who was found fatally shot on Friday morning.

• Jaycieon Bennett, 17, a teenager gunned down in what police believe may have been a targeted attack.

• Salvador Ruiz, 20, who died from gunshot wounds in a separate incident Friday evening.

• Amir Thomas-Clair, 20, who was found shot inside a crashed vehicle Saturday night and later died at the hospital.

• Christopher Bourn, 31, who was killed early Sunday morning outside the Agenda Sports Bar and Grill on Matzinger Road, where three other people were also shot.

Each incident remains under investigation, and authorities are working to determine whether any of the shootings are connected.

A City on Edge

The spike in violence has rattled Toledo, where residents are still reeling from previous gun-related incidents. Over the weekend, social media feeds filled with tributes to the deceased, calls for peace, and pleas for city leaders to act.

“This is not just a policing issue. This is a public health crisis,” said Rev. Darrell Brown, a community activist and pastor. “We are losing sons, daughters, brothers, and friends every day. We need investments in conflict resolution, mental health services, education, and community-based intervention now.”

Police and Officials Respond

Toledo Police Chief George Kral acknowledged the community’s frustration in a statement Monday morning, expressing condolences to the victims’ families and pledging full commitment to the investigations.

“This weekend has been devastating for our city. Every life lost is a family shattered. Our officers are working tirelessly to bring justice to the victims, and we urge anyone with information to come forward,” Kral said.

Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz also weighed in, emphasizing the need for a multi-pronged approach to address the violence.

“We are not immune to the national epidemic of gun violence, but we must respond as a community — through law enforcement, yes, but also through long-term strategies that address poverty, education gaps, and community empowerment,” the mayor stated during a press conference.

Community Efforts and Call to Action

In response to the violent weekend, several community organizations are mobilizing resources to support grieving families and prevent further tragedies. Vigils are being planned for the victims, and youth outreach groups are increasing their presence in neighborhoods most affected by gun violence.

“Summer is supposed to be a time of joy, not mourning,” said Tasha Reed, director of the anti-violence group Toledo Safe Streets. “We are tired, but we are not giving up. These young people deserve better.”

What’s Next

As investigations continue, Toledo police are asking for the public’s help. Anyone with information about any of the recent shootings is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via the Toledo Police mobile app.

Meanwhile, families mourn and neighborhoods brace for what comes next — hoping that the violence will subside and that the city can begin the long process of healing.

This tragic weekend serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action at every level — from the streets to City Hall — to prevent more names from being added to the growing list of lives lost too soon.