John Smoot’s family remembered him as a hardworking contractor who helped others.
TOLEDO, Ohio — A 53-year-old Toledo man was fatally shot Saturday morning on Evesham Avenue, and police arrested his neighbor soon after in a homicide case now moving through court.
Toledo police said John Smoot was found with at least one gunshot wound after officers were called to the 900 block of Evesham Avenue just before 10 a.m. Saturday. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died. Police arrested 53-year-old Deji Lee after officers located him near Nebraska Avenue and Victory Avenue.
Lee has been charged with murder in Smoot’s death. Police said officers used a description of the alleged shooter and his vehicle while searching the area after the shooting. The case drew attention from Smoot’s family, who described him to WTOL as a hardworking contractor and a man known for helping people in the community.
Authorities have not released a detailed account of what led to the shooting. Police said a possible motive was “unclear at this time.” Investigators also have not said whether any dispute between the men had been reported before Saturday morning.
Lee was arrested June 13 and booked into the Lucas County Corrections Center. His bail was set at $1.1 million on June 15. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 22, when prosecutors are expected to outline the early evidence in the case.
The shooting left Smoot’s relatives grieving a man they said worked with his hands and helped others when he could. Family members said his death has left a hole in their lives and in the neighborhood where he was known.
The case remains under investigation. Lee is awaiting his next court appearance on June 22.
Author note: Last updated June 15, 2026.