On April 21, 2023, 17-year-old Mark David Wortham was fatally shot in front of a residence on Amsterdam Road near Richards Road in west Toledo, Ohio. Responding officers found Wortham with at least one gunshot wound; he was transported to the University of Toledo Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The Toledo Police Department swiftly initiated an investigation, leading to the arrest of 19-year-old Edward Griffin.
Griffin was indicted on two counts of murder and one count of felonious assault. In June 2024, he pleaded guilty to murder and was subsequently sentenced to 18 years to life in prison, with an additional three years for firearm specifications.
A second suspect, 18-year-old Franklin Robinson, was arrested in July 2023. He was later indicted on charges including murder, aggravated murder, and felonious assault. In March 2024, Robinson pleaded guilty to obstructing justice and is scheduled for sentencing on July 10, 2024.
Born on September 1, 2005, Wortham was a student at Rogers High School, where he participated in junior varsity football and track. He was employed at a local McDonald's and enjoyed basketball, music, and spending time with friends. His death marked the seventh juvenile homicide in Toledo for 2023, highlighting a concerning trend of youth violence in the city.
The convictions of Griffin and Robinson bring a measure of justice for Wortham's family and underscore the community's commitment to addressing and reducing violent crime. Authorities continue to encourage public cooperation in ongoing efforts to ensure safety and prevent future tragedies.
