Toledo police request help nabbing suspect in Peck Street slaying

4/17/2004

Toledo police are seeking information through the Crime Stopper program on the whereabouts of a man charged in a murder last month on Peck Street.

Police issued an arrest warrant for Roderick E. Upperdite, 31, who has addresses on Hollywood and Maplewood avenues, charging him with aggravated murder.

He was not in custody last night.

He is accused of shooting John Michael May, Jr., 28, in the head about 5 a.m. March 15 at 1014 Peck. May was found on the kitchen floor. He died two days later from his injuries.

Police said the shooting occurred after the two had an argument at the house, where May was visiting a friend.

They said the suspect took May's wallet before fleeing. The suspect may have been trying to obtain money to sustain a drug habit when the crime occurred, police said.

The suspect is described as 6 feet, 4 inches tall, and weighing 275 pounds.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts or the murder is asked to call the Crime Stopper program.

Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000, police said.