Charges Dropped Against Man in Toledo Festival Shooting Case

Ohio prosecutors dropped the charges on Friday, Oct. 30, against Eljay Crisp-Carr, 20, who had been arrested in connection with a shooting at Toledo's Old West End festival in June. The Guardian reported that prosecutors requested the dismissal during a hearing that day before Judge Lori Olender of the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, the trial court for the county.

The shooting on June 6 injured 12 people. Crisp-Carr faced more than 50 felony charges, which are serious crimes under state law, including 25 counts of attempted murder. He had spent about five months behind bars before his release.

The dismissal was made without prejudice, a legal term meaning the charges can be filed again if necessary. Prosecutors have not, as of this report, said they plan to do so. WTOL reported that no trial dates had been set when the charges were dropped.

Attorneys for Crisp-Carr say he was not at the festival when the shooting took place. They have pointed to video and cellphone evidence that they say supports his alibi. In September, the Lucas County Prosecutor's Office told his attorney about evidence, known as discovery, that may support the defense.

Crisp-Carr and the other defendant in the case, who has the surname Taylor and is also 20, both pleaded not guilty in July. Defense attorney Alex Bodiford said another person involved in the shooting remains at large.

The Toledo Police Department's investigation into the shooting is ongoing.