$2,500 reward offered for information leading to arrest of Toledo murder suspect Tyrone Hoskins, Jr.

He is the city's only on-the-lam murder suspect

3/21/2014
BLADE STAFF

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force announced today a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of Tyrone Hoskins, Jr., the city's only on-the-lam murder suspect.

Mr. Hoskins, 23, is wanted for murder with gang and gun specifications in the Feb. 2 shooting death of Michael Williams, Jr., 24, who was shot at Ottawa Drive and Auburn Avenue and pronounced dead at the scene. He is also charged with participating in a criminal gang.

Rishad Williams, 21, Toledo, who is also charged with murder with gang and gun specifications and participating in a criminal gang in connection with the death, turned himself in to Toledo police after proclaiming his innocence on Facebook.

On Wednesday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court, Mr. Williams plead not guilty and was ordered to remain in the Lucas County jail in lieu of $1 million. He is scheduled for an April 9 pretrial hearing.

U.S. Deputy Marshal Rodney Hartzell said Mr. Hoskins is no longer in the Toledo area, although officials do not know where he is.

Offering the additional reward, he said, should help generate legitimate tips that lead investigators to Mr. Hoskins.

Mr. Hoskins is black and described by authorities as 5 feet, 7 inches tall, and weighing 250 pounds. He has a tattoo that reads "GATES rip" and another that reads "Melinda" with a rose.

Police ask that anyone with information about Mr. Hoskins' whereabouts call Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111 or Deputy Hartzell at 1-866-492-6833.

Callers can remain anonymous.