Police say motive, suspect absent in slaying

7/24/2005

Police remained unsure yesterday about what led to Friday's fatal shooting of a North Toledo mother of six children.

Detective Bill Seymour said several people who knew Tiffany Wright have been interviewed, with no breakthrough in the case or motive emerging.

"At this point, we're not sure if it's a random thing of being in the wrong place at the wrong time or if it was in retaliation for something," he said.

Police have said Ms. Wright was shot outside her home at 814 Moore St. early Friday while accompanied by a friend.

The two were checking on a commotion near her friend's car.

Police have said they came upon an apparent break-in, but have not revealed if anything was taken. Ms. Wright died in St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center.

An autopsy performed yesterday on the 28-year-old woman showed that she died of a single gunshot wound to the abdomen, said Dr. Cynthia Beisser, a deputy Lucas County deputy coroner.

At least two and possibly four people were believed to have been involved in the crime. The gunman was described as a black man who was 5-foot, 9-inches tall and was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.

The victim's mother, Ruth Wilson, told The Blade yesterday that family members were stunned by the tragedy and have no clue about a motive.

"As far as I know, she didn't have any enemies," the victim's mother said. "I'm just as puzzled as the rest of the world."

She said the children - four boys and two girls - range in age from 1 to 12 years. "I'm definitely going to be there for them," she said.

Mayor Jack Ford has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the slaying, the city's 19th this year.