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11 Investigates: Dozens of dead residents charged for nuisance properties

Blight and delinquent property taxes continue to hurt the Toledo economy.

Brian Dugger, Kalie Marantette

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Published: 12:23 AM EST November 16, 2022
Updated: 2:35 PM EST November 17, 2022

On the night of June 6, 2003, Crystal Hunt got in her car in front of her Forest Avenue home after a graduation party.

Early the next morning, Hunt was found slumped over the steering wheel of that car, dead from a 9-millimeter bullet that had gone through her neck.

Nearly two years later, a jury convicted Daryl Mickles, her on-again, off-again boyfriend, of the shooting.

On July 18, 2022, the city of Toledo charged Hunt with failing to abate a nuisance, for allowing her home to fall into disrepair.

On Oct. 11, a bench warrant was issued for the woman who has now been dead for more than 19 years.

In the same central city neighborhood, Ramona Collins could only shake her head.

“We can all make mistakes, especially with paperwork. But if someone’s been dead for 19 years, and you’re still messing with them, how come you don’t know they’re dead?” Collins asked.

11 Investigates has learned that Hunt’s case is not unusual.

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