Family searches for answers after South Toledo shooting

11/21/2017

Dakoda Rogers’ family doesn’t know why he was in South Toledo when he was fatally shot Monday, but they want to know who did it and why. 

“These heartless people out there with guns, running the streets. They just don’t care,” said Mr. Rogers’ mother, Stacie Gorsuch. “They don’t understand what they took from me. They really don’t.”

The North Toledo man tried to flee in his car from gunfire while in a South Toledo parking lot. His car then struck another nearby vehicle and building, Toledo police spokesman Sgt. Kevan Toney said.

The incident was reported shortly after 2:30 p.m. at South Avenue and Spencer Street. 

Mr. Rogers, 25 was later pronounced dead at the University of Toledo Medical Center, the former Medical College of Ohio, according to Toledo police. A Lucas County Coroner's Office autopsy determined he was shot twice in the chest, with one bullet going through his right arm.

“I just think about him being by himself and trying to get away,” said his grandmother, Barbara Gorsuch. 

Mr. Rogers’ mother said she was watching the news when she caught a glimpse of a smashed car that looked like her son’s. She said she had an eerie feeling.

Not long after, a Toledo police detective arrived at her house. She asked the detective if he was there because of her son and asked if he was OK.

“He just looked down to the ground. I knew. His face told it all and I lost it,” she said. “This is one of my biggest fears as a parent.”

Rogers’ family described him as a caring, fun-loving man who always put his family first. He avoided confrontation, they said. 

While it’s never easy to lose a family member, losing Mr. Rogers near the holidays — his favorite time of the year — is most devastating to the family. He frequently helped his sister, Kelsey Rogers, watch her children, ages 10, 7, 6, and 2. 

“I’d like to say he’s one in a million, but he’s one in a lifetime. There will never be another Kody,” his mother said through sobs. “Never.”

Toledo police continue to investigate. 

No arrests have been made in connection to the incident as of Tuesday afternoon. Anyone with information should contact the Toledo Police Crime Stopper program at 419-255-1111.

Mr. Rogers’ death is the 38th homicide this year in the Toledo metro area, with 37 of them happening within the city limits.