Stolen rings could offer some leads in slaying

Girlfriend survived incident in Waterville Twp.

These rings were among the stolen items taken May 18, 2013, during a fatal Waterville Township home invasion.

These rings were among the stolen items taken May 18, 2013, during a fatal Waterville Township home invasion.

RaighAnn Jackson was wearing two gold diamond rings when three masked men barged into her boyfriend's Waterville Township home early Saturday.

The men, who shot and killed James Safadi, took the rings from her, cutting her hand, said Lucas County Sheriff’s Detective Jeff Kozak.

“Even though she did come out of this physically, not completely, unharmed, emotionally she is absolutely destroyed,” the detective said.

She did not require medical treatment for the cut, the detective said.

The men invaded the home, 8940 S. River Rd., just before 6 a.m. Saturday.

Mr. Safadi was shot three times, once in the chest and once in each leg.

Ms. Jackson was able to escape and lock herself in a bathroom to call 911.

Safadi

Detective Kozak said Ms. Jackson is not considered to be a suspect.

The rings are made of 14-karat gold and it’s possible someone could try to pawn them, Detective Kozak said. One ring is a yellow-gold band with several round inset diamonds, much like a wedding band.

The second ring, what would traditionally be considered an engagement-style ring, has two inset round diamonds on either side of a round prong-set diamond.

The detective did not know if Ms. Jackson and Mr. Safadi, who owned several carryout stores in the area, were engaged.

The masked gunmen also took a small amount of cash from the residence.

Mr. Safadi, with a brother and his father, operated three convenience stores: Campus Market in Bowling Green, The Corner Store, 250 Fearing Blvd., and Gas Express, 3070 Airport Highway.

The Safadi family has declined to comment, but on Monday issued a statement: “Jimmy was outgoing, generous, and compassionate. He cared deeply about his family, friends, and community. His customers were always considered friends.”

Detective Kozak said there is no indication that the victim knew the three men, who were only described by authorities as black and clad entirely in black.

At least two of the men were armed with guns.

Authorities have said they believe Mr. Safadi was intentionally targeted.

Anyone with information about the shooting or the stolen rings is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111 or the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office at 419-213-4917.

Contact Taylor Dungjen at: tdungjen@theblade.com or 419-724-6054, or on Twitter @taylordungjen.