Grand jury indicts man in death of his guardian

Charges against a Toledo man accused of beating his elderly guardian have been stepped up to murder, according to a Lucas County grand jury indictment released Thursday.

Julian Boyd, 38, of 2103 Parkdale Ave. is charged with murder and misdemeanor domestic violence. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.

Mr. Boyd is charged in the May 5 assault on Raymond Darden, 81, who along with his wife, Marion, 81, were serving as the man's guardians. Authorities said the domestic violence charge stems from an assault on Mrs. Darden during the same incident.

Assistant Prosecutor Bruce Sorg said Mr. Boyd is accused of punching Mrs. Darden and beating Mr. Darden. The felony charge against him was changed from felonious assault to murder as a result of Mr. Darden's death last month following time in a nursing facility. An autopsy report listed blunt-force trauma as the cause of death.

On Wednesday, Mr. Boyd's court-appointed attorney, Jane Roman, asked that the defendant be evaluated to determine whether he is competent to stand trial. Judge James Jensen set an Aug. 29 hearing to review the request.

To view a database of Toledo-area homicides, go to toledoblade.com/homicides