Defendant enters guilty pleas to southwest Toledo shootings that killed man, wounded woman

One of two men charged with murder and attempted murder in shootings Sept. 23 entered guilty pleas to reduced charges Thursday morning in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

After Daiqjuan Smith, 22, of the 1100 block of Pinebrook Parkway, pleaded guilty to murder and second-degree felonious assault in the death of James Miller, 37, and wounding of Kayla Braithwaite, 34, Judge Lori Olender scheduled sentencing for April 18.

Police had found Mr. Miller shot in the 4600 block of Blue Rock Court shortly after 2 a.m., and the Lucas County Coroner’s Office ruled the next day he had died from a single gunshot wound. Ms. Braithwaite was found also that night at Airport Highway and Byrne Road, and survived being shot.

Police said they identified Smith and co-defendant Kijuan Tarver, 20, of the 400 block of South Haven Road, through surveillance video, witness and victim statements, and cell phone evidence. No further details were presented Thursday.

Mr. Tarver also appeared Thursday morning before Judge Olender, and while his case was continued to April 25, defense lawyer Brad Hubbell said he believed “we’ll have a resolution on that date.”