Man pleads guilty in June shooting death

Travon Smith, left, Rashawn Pickle, middle, and Paul Pickle.

When Travon Smith said he was pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter Tuesday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court, Judge Dean Mandros asked him why that was.

“Because I shot the deceased,” Smith replied simply.

Smith, 24, of the 1100 block of Montrose Avenue also pleaded guilty to a firearm specification that will add one year to his sentence for involuntary manslaughter. He faces up to 11 years in prison.

He shot Kidon McCalebb, 21, at Smith's Montrose Avenue home June 10.

Although Smith was indicted for murder, Jennifer Liptack-Wilson, an assistant county prosecutor, told the court the plea agreement calls for a reduced charge that had been discussed with the victim's family and the detective on the case.

Two co-defendants — brothers Paul and Rashawn Pickle — also were indicted for murder for their friend's death under the theory that their actions led to Mr. McCalebb's death. Mr. McCalebb had called Paul Pickle for help after getting into a confrontation with Smith, and Paul Pickle and his brother showed up at the scene armed with guns.

On the day they were to go to trial, the Pickles both pleaded guilty to felonious assault and participating in a criminal gang for exchanging gunfire with Smith that day.

On Oct. 17, Judge Mandros sentenced Paul Pickle, Jr., 26, to nine years in prison and Rashawn Pickle, 25, to seven years.

Ms. Liptack-Wilson said at the Pickles' sentencing that witnesses gave “different stories as to who fired first, but what is clear is that no one fired until Paul and Rashawn Pickle arrived on the scene.”

Smith, who appeared in court with his attorney, Merle Dech, remains in the Lucas County jail in lieu of $575,000 bond until his sentencing on Jan. 4.

Contact Jennifer Feehan at: jfeehan@theblade.com or 419-213-2134.