Armonte Versace Ronquae Darrington-Rodgers, a 24-year-old male of African American ethnicity, tragically passed away on May 16, 2021, in Toledo, Ohio. He was shot at the Spotlight Nightclub on South Reynolds Road and later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The incident occurred during a 22-day window when Darryl Lathan, already incarcerated on an unrelated charge, was out on a stay of his jail time.
Darryl Lathan was found guilty of murder, felonious assault, and failure to
comply with a court order in August 2022. He was sentenced to 20.5 years in prison on January 20, 2023. The court proceedings revealed that Lathan was convicted of violating a court order related to a previous drug charge conviction just 10 days before the shooting. This conviction led to a stay on his jail time, during which he allegedly committed the murder.
The case drew significant attention due to the circumstances surrounding Lathan's incarceration and the timing of the murder. Despite the conviction, Lathan's defense attorneys filed a motion for a new trial, citing allegations of jury misconduct. The testimonial hearing for this motion was continued multiple times, further delaying the sentencing process.
Armonte Rodgers was remembered fondly by his family and friends as a passionate rapper and a loving family man. His death left a significant impact on his loved ones, who continue to honor his memory.
