Toledo, Ohio — Three individuals have been convicted in connection with a deadly drive-by shooting that took place in Toledo earlier this year. The case, which has drawn significant attention in the community, resulted in the death of Michael Bradford-Washington, who was shot multiple times in a brazen attack near West Sylvania Avenue and Hoiles Avenue.
On April 30, 2025, a jury found Sean Duhart guilty of aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault, and discharging a firearm over a roadway. All charges include firearm specifications, highlighting the severity of the crime. According to the Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office, Duhart’s conviction stems from his role in a shooting that occurred on February 11, 2024, during which he fired at least 20 shots at a vehicle.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Duhart and his accomplice, Catarino Rodriguez, were said to have carried out the attack from a rental car, which they later abandoned in a nearby pond. Bradford-Washington was rushed to the hospital after the incident but succumbed to his injuries shortly afterward.
Catarino Rodriguez and Mercedes Rodriguez, two other individuals implicated in the crime, have also been involved in the legal proceedings. On March 26, 2025, Mercedes Rodriguez withdrew her previous not guilty plea and instead pleaded guilty to attempted participation in a criminal gang. On April 17, 2025, Catarino Rodriguez pleaded no contest to charges of murder with a gun specification and participating in a criminal gang.
The sentencing for Mercedes Rodriguez and Catarino Rodriguez is scheduled for May 19, 2025. Meanwhile, Duhart is set to be sentenced on May 22, 2025.
Toledo police have stated that the shooting was part of a larger pattern of gang-related activity in the area. Investigators are continuing to work to uncover further details surrounding the motivations for the attack and its connections to local gangs.
The tragic death of Michael Bradford-Washington has shaken the Toledo community, sparking renewed calls for measures to address gun violence and gang activity in the region. While the legal process continues to unfold, the case serves as a stark reminder of the destructive impact that such crimes can have on individuals, families, and entire communities.
As sentencing dates approach, local residents are left to reflect on the consequences of this senseless violence and the ongoing efforts needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.