3 charged in fatal attack, 1 suspect remains at large

12/3/2002

Three men charged in connection with the shooting death of a central-Toledo man were arraigned yesterday in Toledo Municipal Court. A fourth man charged in the death remained at large last night.

Earnest L. Peals, 25, of 508 North Hawley St., Apt. 6, was charged with one count each of murder and kidnapping in the death Sunday of L.C. Pittman. Peals was being held in the Lucas County jail in lieu of a $500,000 bond.

Dario Williamson, 25, of 1339 Hamilton St., and Kevin T. Jordan, 23, of 817 Sheridan St., each is charged with one count of complicity to kidnapping. Each was held in the jail in lieu of a $250,000 bond.

A fourth suspect, Michael A. Peals, 22, whose last known address was on Lincoln Avenue, is charged with one count each of murder and kidnapping. He was not in custody last night. He is Earnest Peals' brother.

Pittman, 38, of 508 North Hawley, Apt. 11, died from multiple gunshot wounds. He was shot in the head, chest, and arm according to preliminary autopsy results released by Dr. Cynthia Beisser, deputy Lucas County coroner.

Police went to the 900 block of Vance Street on a report of a person shot about 5:15 a.m. Sunday. They found Pittman lying on the sidewalk. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

After a misunderstanding with occupants in Earnest Peals' apartment, Pittman was forced into a vehicle and driven a few blocks to Vance. Another confrontation ensued on Vance, and the brothers allegedly shot Pittman, investigators said.

Lt. Rick Reed declined to discuss a motive at this time, saying detectives needed to talk with several people who may have information that will help the investigation.

He said a handgun was recovered at Earnest Peals' apartment. Investigators are looking for another handgun believed used in the shooting.

Pittman's relatives declined comment yesterday. The three suspects in custody declined requests to talk with The Blade.

Two of the suspects were arrested by police after a foot chase when they were seen fleeing the Hawley apartment building shortly after the shooting. The third suspect turned himself in to authorities at the police station Sunday night.