Suspect in murder may face execution

1/23/2004

A 19-year-old man accused of killing a woman during the robbery of her husband s North Toledo carryout faces the possibility of being sentenced to death if convicted of the crime.

A Lucas County grand jury yesterday indicted Ronald Whitfield for the Jan. 10 shooting death of Misada Shalan, 47, at Tamara s Carryout, 328 Columbus St.

Mr. Whitfield, who is being held in the Lucas County jail in lieu of $750,000 bond, was indicted on one count each of aggravated murder and aggravated robbery. The murder charge carries a specification that a gun was used in the crime, and a specification that calls for a possible death sentence. Police are still searching for two other men who they believe took part in the robbery.

One of the alleged accomplices, Yvan Garcia, 20, is charged with one count each of aggravated murder and aggravated robbery. Mr. Garcia, whose last known address was 1127 North Michigan St., has not been arrested.

Police describe him as Hispanic, 5 feet, 7 inches tall, 155 pounds, with blond hair and brown eyes. He has tattoos of “Van” or “Von” in Old English script on his forearms.

Police said two men walked into the carryout about 10:30 p.m. and began firing, with one of the gunmen demanding money. Mrs. Shalan was shot once in the head. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her husband, Fuad, suffered two grazing-type injuries. The suspects fled south on Erie Street in a dark-colored sport utility vehicle occupied by a third male.

Mr. Whitfield, of 29 Garfield Place, was arrested Jan. 15.