Toledo man's murder trial begins Tuesday

Michael Taylor III arrives at Lucas County Common Pleas Court in Toledo. He is charged with murder for the shooting death of Darrin Smith in April 2010.

The trial for a Toledo man charged with fatally shooting his neighbor during an argument nearly two years ago will begin Tuesday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

Michael C. Taylor III, 20, of 1366 Grand Ave. is charged with one count of murder with a gun specification. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.

Authorities said Taylor got into an argument with 20-year-old Darrin Smith when he took out a gun and shot him at least twice on April 24, 2010, in front of Smith’s Grand Avenue home. Smith was taken to Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Taylor turned himself in to police the next morning.

A jury of seven women and five men plus two alternates was selected Monday to decide the case. The trial will continue with lawyers’ opening statements and the state’s first witnesses.