Melvin Thomas, 27, was fatally shot on September 8, 2022, in North Toledo. The shooting happened around 1 a.m. at the intersection of Elm and Hudson after a party at a former neighborhood bar. Thomas was found on the front steps of a building with at least one gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene; two other people were wounded and survived.

Thomas was a well-known youth basketball coach who ran a program called Focus 3D and campaigned for girls basketball, teaching inner-city kids to choose sports over drugs and violence. His family, students, parents and staff describe his mentorship as having a lasting impact. The investigation remains open and authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward.