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Neighbors react to Waterville home invasion homicide

A Waterville homeowners was killed Saturday morning following a home invasion. Authorities are searching for a suspect.
James Safadi (Photo courtesy: Facebook)

WATERVILLE TOWNSHIP, OH (Toledo News Now) - The hunt is on for three suspected killers wanted in connection with a deadly Saturday morning home invasion in Waterville Township.

The Lucas County Sheriff's Department is investigating the homicide.

Authorities say the killing was not a random home invasion. The victim may have been targeted for money and other items.

James Safadi, 34, died Saturday morning, after someone broke into his Waterville Township home.

Safadi's family owns several carry outs, including one at South Avenue and Spencer Street in South Toledo where he worked.

Safadi's girlfriend called 9-1-1 Saturday morning around 6 o'clock, saying her boyfriend had been shot at their home in the 8900 block of South River Road.

The Sheriff's Department says Safadi was hit in the chest. He later died from his injury at St. Luke's Hospital.

Nearby neighbors are stunned by a killing in the quiet, rural area.

"Yes, obviously I'm very shocked about something like this happening in the proximity. Things like this usually don't happen," said Brian Lauderman.

Safadi's girlfriend was unharmed. She told investigators she locked herself in a bathroom to call 911.

Crews from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation spent Saturday combing the homicide scene.

The Sheriff's Department hopes someone has information about the three suspects, who are described as black males.

"No vehicle was seen at the scene. As much as we can get right now, it appears to be three black males dressed in black with masks entered the location," said Detective Jeff Kozak.

While the suspects remain on the loose, neighbors plan to keep their doors and windows locked.

"Yes, that's usually standard operating procedure around here. That's just the way we always have been," said Lauderman.

Carry out employees who knew Safadi declined comment to Toledo News Now about his killing.

If you have any information about the three suspects, call Crimestopper at 419-255-1111.

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