Waterville Twp. man’s death ruled homicide

5/21/2013

A Waterville Township man who was killed at his South River Road residence Saturday in what authorities called a targeted incident was shot three times — once in the chest and once in each leg, according to the Lucas County Coroner’s Office.

Dr. Cynthia Beisser, a deputy coroner at the Lucas County Coroner’s Office, ruled the death of James Safadi, 34, a homicide after conducting an autopsy Monday.

A dispatcher at the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office reported no arrests as of late Monday. Det. Jeff Kozak was unable to be reached for comment.

The shooting happened at about 6 a.m. Saturday. During the invasion, Mr. Safadi’s girlfriend locked herself in a bathroom of the house and called 911, authorities said.

Detective Kozak said Mr. Safadi’s family owns a few carryout stores in Toledo. He said the incident did not appear to be random, but added that it was unclear whether Mr. Safadi knew his assailants.

Authorities are looking for three suspects they described as black males who wore masks.