Man found guilty of murdering bicyclist on way to work

12/3/2008

A 20-year-old South Toledo man charged with killing a man who was riding his bicycle to work was found guilty of murder by a Lucas County Common Pleas Court jury Wednesday.

Dounche Jones, of 235 Western Ave., was convicted of murder with a firearm specification. He faces 18 years to life in prison when sentenced Dec. 12 by Judge James Jensen.

Jones was found guilty of shooting David Babcock, 46, of 908 Kingston Ave., in the 800 block of Western in the early morning hours of July 15. Mr. Babcock, a longtime employee of Fresh Products Inc., was riding his bike at about 5:45 a.m. to make sure he arrived at work on time.

The jury of nine women and three men deliberated for about two hours before returning a verdict. The trial lasted three days and included the testimony of 19 witnesses and about 40 pieces of evidence.