A Saturday morning in Toledo ended in tragedy when 53-year-old John Wayne Smoot Jr. was shot and killed on June 13, 2026. A contractor by trade, Smoot is described as a friendly, hardworking man who was well known in his community and close with his family; his cousin Nicholas Stone said Smoot had been respected and dedicated to work and family. The death came less than a year after his mother’s passing, deepening the family’s grief.

Officers found Smoot on Evesham Avenue with at least one gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital and later died of his injuries. Toledo police say descriptions of the suspect and a vehicle led them to a 53-year-old neighbor, Deji Lee, who was arrested the same day near Nebraska and Victory Avenues and has been charged with murder and felonious assault. The investigation and legal process are ongoing.

If anyone knew John Smoot or has information about the shooting, please share what you know with Toledo police.