Gang members testify in Tuggle murder trial

5/23/2007

Several members of area gangs were brought in to testify in Lucas County Common Pleas Court yesterday in the murder trial of Antoine Tuggle.

The men testified about the night of June 5 when gunfire erupted in front of a house on Lincoln Avenue. One of the bullets fired that night hit Jerome Saxton in the head. He died more than three months later at age 22.

Mr. Tuggle, 22, of 4337 Debra Ct., is charged with one count each of murder, involuntary manslaughter, aggravated riot, and felonious assault.

Witnesses testified that more than a dozen cars filled with people headed to the house on Lincoln to find Mr. Tuggle, who they believed hurt one of their friends. When they arrived, several people were on the porch of a house and guns were fired.

The testimony came during the second day of the trial before Judge Frederick McDonald. The jury trial continues today.