Award of $5,000 offered for help in capturing last suspect in gym owner's murder

11/7/2013
BLADE STAFF
Deitrekk D. Boone.
Deitrekk D. Boone.

Deitrekk Boone, 20, has managed to elude law enforcement for nearly a year after he was allegedly involved in the robbery and fatal shooting of a Toledo gym owner.

Four other suspects have been arrested, tried, convicted, and are serving prison time for their roles in the Nov. 19 death of Joseph Lengel, 57, who owned CrossFit Intensity Gym in South Toledo.

Boone is charged with aggravated murder and aggravated robbery.

“Joseph Lengel was a victim of a horrendous murder,” said Toledo police Sgt. Joe Heffernan.

Today, the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force and Toledo police announced a $5,000 reward for anyone who can provide information that leads to Boone's arrest. Authorities believe the suspect fled the Toledo area and that he could be in Cleveland, Columbus, or Atlanta.

Officials said Boone has no financial history, so there's no trail to follow.

Authorities believe that family, friends, or “associates” could be funneling cash to the suspect to help him stay underground, said Deputy U.S. Marshal Christopher Hodge.

Deputy Hodge said anyone caught assisting Boone could face federal charges.

Authorities stressed during an afternoon news conference that even information that seems insignificant could help police put the suspect behind bars.

“Even the littlest snowflake can turn into a snow boulder that can lead to this guy's arrest,” Deputy Hodge said. “If you have a little piece of information, we need to know so we can investigate and make this little snowflake into a snow avalanche and catch Deitrekk Boone.”

Authorities said Boone should be considered armed and dangerous. He is described as 5 feet, 11 inches tall and 175 pounds. “My brothers keeper” is tattooed in script on his left forearm.

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111 or 1-866-492-6833.