Police hunt tenant from site where body was discovered

Willie Washington

Toledo police are seeking information through the Crime Stopper program on the whereabouts of Willie Washington, who was a second-floor tenant at 1025 Marmion Ave., where the body of Gordon Wright was discovered about 8:30 p.m. Feb. 13 after the duplex was set on fire, authorities said.

Wright, who had been killed, died before the fire was started at the central city house on the corner of Marmion and Midway Plaisance Street.

Flames were visible from the second floor when firefighters arrived. The fire was under control about 8:45 p.m.

Fire Investigator Andre Tiggs said several fires were set on the second floor, causing about $14,000 in damage.

After the fire was under control, firefighters on the third floor broke through a half wall to check whether the fire had spread and found the body, authorities said.

The body was well concealed in the attic, and it was "by chance" that firefighters found it, authorities said.

Wright's body had been inside the house for "at least a couple of days," police said. His death is Toledo's first homicide this year.

An autopsy showed Wright died from blunt head injuries, according to Dr. Cynthia Beisser, a Lucas County deputy coroner. She said there were no other injuries.

Mr. Washington has two aliases, including Gregory Allen and Gregory Harris. He has not been seen since the early morning hours of Feb. 13. Mr. Washington had formerly lived on Hamilton Street and Central Avenue, police said.

He is described as 50 years old, about 5 feet, 7 inches tall, and weighing 170 pounds. Mr. Washington has a tracheotomy scar on this throat, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Crime Stopper program.

Callers may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.