Maumee man charged in death of shop owner

12/4/2005

A Maumee man charged with the death of his boss at a South Toledo auto repair shop turned himself into police yesterday, authorities said.

Donald O. Wheeler II, 39, was being held in the Lucas County jail pending an appearance tomorrow in Toledo Municipal Court.

He was charged with murder Friday morning in the death of Jack Nidiffer of Sylvania Township, who died about 9 p.m. Thursday in Medical University of Ohio Medical Center. Mr. Nidiffer had been there on life support since he was allegedly assaulted by Mr. Wheeler Nov. 11 at Affordable Auto Repair, 3653 Marine Rd., where they both worked, authorities said.

Mr. Wheeler previously was being held in the jail on two counts of felonious assault for the fight with Mr. Nidiffer and a customer. He posted bond Friday afternoon and was released from the jail before he could be charged with the murder.

Dr. Cynthia Biesser, a Lucas County deputy coroner, said it appears Mr. Nidiffer died of a heart attack, but her autopsy will investigate how the assault might relate to his death.