Jury finds 2 guilty in killing of toddler at Moody Manor

Antwaine Jones, left, and Keshawn Jennings, right, were convicted of aggravated murder, murder, improperly discharging a firearm into a habitation, attempted murder, and four counts of felonious assault, each with gun specifications.

A jury in Lucas County Common Pleas Court returned guilty verdicts today against two young men who fired into a Moody Manor apartment, killing a 1-year-old girl and injuring her 2-year-old sister.

Keshawn Jennings, 21, of 244 Wasaon St., and Antwaine Jones, 19, of 3145 Cottage Ave., each were convicted of aggravated murder, murder, improperly discharging a firearm into a habitation, attempted murder, and four counts of felonious assault, each with gun specifications.

They face life in prison when they are sentenced by Common Pleas Judge Frederick McDonald.

The pair was convicted following an eight-day trial in which prosecutors contended Jennings and Jones -- both members of the Manor Boyz gang -- fired into an apartment at THE North Toledo housing complex under the mistaken belief a rival gang member was inside. The 16 bullets fired through first-floor glass patio doors instead struck and killed 1-year-old Keondra Hooks and wounded her sister, Leondra, who was shot in the back.

Pivotal to the case was extensive surveillance video showing the defendants and James Moore coming and going from an apartment building at the complex just before the shooting.

Also pivotal was testimony by Moore, 21, who was indicted on the same charges in the case but who in May agreed to testify against Jennings and Jones. In exchange, he is to plead to involuntary manslaughter and be sentenced to three years in prison.