Toledo man takes plea deal in two separate deadly shootings

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – A Toledo man has been convicted for his roles in two separate homicides.

Court records show Keondre Baker took plea deals for his charges in the deaths of James Smith Jr. and Ronald Thomas. The deaths are from separate cases.

Baker took plea deals in both cases, pleading guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter and participating in a criminal gang with firearms and criminal gang activity specifications in the death of James Smith Jr. He also pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, two counts of felonious assault and discharging a firearm on or near a prohibited premises with firearms and criminal gang specifications in the death of Ronald Thomas.

Toledo Police said 19-year-old James Smith Jr. was found shot to death in the 100 block of Page. Ave, the Moody Manor Apartments, in June 2020. James Smith Jr. is the son of James Smith Sr., who was shot and killed that month at Ravine Park Village.

Authorities announced Baker was charged in the homicide in March 2024. Police said Baker was 16-years-old at the time of the fatal shooting.

Police said 18-year-old Ronald Thomas was shot and killed near the intersection of Elliot and Grand in Toledo in October 2022. Two others were shot in the incident as well but survived their injuries, police said. A grand jury indicted Baker in that case in January 2024.

His sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 24.

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