More on the tragic case of Marland Woods, the 32-year-old gay Toledo man who was"kicked and stomped in the head" across the street from a gay bar. Woods was hospitalized and died of head injuries nearly a week later. Prosecutors charged 20-year-old Norman Corggens with felonious assault and hours later he walked out of jail on his recognizance. The Lucas County deputy coroner has ruled Woods death was a homicide.
Toledo Deputy Police Chief Don Kenney told the Blade detectives were awaiting the coroner's report "to make sure [his death] was attributed to the assault and then it's normally presented to a grand jury." Sources tell Rod 2.0 that prosecutors are developing the case for the grand jury.
On the night of December 13, one of Woods' friends was involved in a fight at Caesar’s Show Bar. After the crowd was ejected, witnesses say Woods crossed the street and was later viciously attacked by a man who "kicked and stomped on his head." Authorities will not say if the suspect was connected to the bar brawl, or, if this was a random attack. Police say "there is no indication" this was a hate crime.
Woods had a 10-year domestic partnership and a commitment ceremony in September. Friends and family held a vigil at the scene of the crime. Watch the video and hear from family and his partner AFTER THE JUMP.
Continue reading "Charges Upgraded in Brutal Murder of Gay Man Killed in Toledo?" »
