Juvenile found competent to testify in murder trial

9/13/2018

A Lucas County Common Pleas Court judge ruled Thursday that a 9-year-old witness was competent to testify at the trial of an East Toledo man accused of killing an infant.

Zachery Shadix, 25, of the 1300 block of Felt Street, is charged with aggravated murder, felonious assault, and endangering children after allegedly killing his girlfriend's 8-month-old daughter, Gabrielle Walker, on Feb. 21.

The 9-year-old boy was Gabrielle's half-brother and they lived in the same residence, according to court records. Additionally, Mr. Shadix acted as a father figure to the boy.

After questioning the boy Wednesday, Judge Dean Mandros determined the youth met the standard to testify, an examination that is given to children younger than the age of 10, according to case law.

Mr. Shadix was not present for Wednesday's hearing.

He was indicted in February after Gabrielle suffered a head injury, lacerated pancreas, and other injuries. Police said the child's mother took her to Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center after finding her ashen-colored and lethargic.

Mr. Shadix is scheduled to appear in court for a pretrial hearing at 11 a.m. Monday.