Elisha Meraz, 32, was shot and killed in East Toledo in the early morning hours of October 26, 2024, near Church Road and Prentice Avenue. Toledo police found her with a gunshot wound; she died despite attempts to save her. The shooting prompted an immediate investigation and drew attention from the local community.

On December 3, 2024, Toledo Police, with assistance from a U.S. Marshals task force, arrested 32-year-old Deondrae Ballard of North Toledo as the primary suspect. A grand jury indicted Ballard on December 12, 2024, on charges of aggravated murder in connection with Meraz’s death. The case remains under legal process as authorities continue their investigation.

If anyone knew Elisha or has information about the events that night, please come forward to help the investigation.