Warrants issued for man wanted in Toledo’s latest murder

3/19/2012

BLADE STAFF

Kevin Jamal Venson James

Arrest warrants have been issued for a 20-year-old Toledo man who police believe is responsible for the Friday night shooting death of Montrese Moore.

Kevin Jamal Venson James is wanted on one count of murder and two counts of felonious assault.

Police allege that Mr. James shot and killed Moore, 19, at the Gas & Go Mini Mart, 1530 Cherry St., at 8:33 p.m. Friday.

Also shot were Robee Ware, 19, and Creonna Ballard, 18.

Police have said the incident was gang related. Moore was a member of the central city Manor Boys, based out of Moody Manor, a Kent Street housing project. Mr. James is reportedly a member of a known gang on the South Toledo, police said.

The other shooting victims are expected to survive, police have said.

Mr. James has been accused of violent crimes before, according to Toledo Municipal Court records.

In March, 2010, Mr. James was found guilty of a misdemeanor disorderly conduct for punching Jamal Forbes in the face and head and then throwing him into a wall during a fight in January, according to court documents.

He was sentenced to 30 days in the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio, although all 30 days were suspended. He was placed on probation for six months, but violated probation twice, extending his probation until Nov. 18.

In December, a bench warrant was issued by Judge Francis Gorman.

In July, 2010, Mr. James was again charged with felonious assault for allegedly throwing a coffee cup at his teenage brother, who required 13 stitches. The charges were dropped when his brother failed to appear in court.

In August, 2010, which would have been the second probation violation, he was charged with domestic violence for punching his 14-year-old brother in the face. In May, 2011, the case was removed from the docket and charges were dismissed, according to Toledo Municipal Court records.

In 2011, Mr. James was found guilty of two separate drug-related charges. Both times, the suspect had marijuana.