Springfield Twp. man accepts 15-year plea deal for West Toledo killing

Amod Dawson Jr. pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence in the death of Robert Boon.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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A 30-year-old Springfield Township man named Amod Dawson Jr. has pleaded guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence for the shooting death of 37-year-old Robert Boon in West Toledo last May. Dawson accepted a 15-year plea deal ahead of an impending trial date.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of gun violence and public safety in Toledo, where incidents of violent crime have remained stubbornly high in recent years despite efforts at reform and crime reduction. The plea deal also raises questions about sentencing guidelines and whether 15 years is an appropriate punishment for a homicide.

The details

Dawson was initially charged with two counts of murder, felonious assault with a firearm, and tampering with evidence for the shooting of Boon outside a bar near Sylvania and Lewis Avenues. Under the plea agreement, the murder charges were reduced to a single count of involuntary manslaughter with a mandatory 3-year firearm specification, and the felonious assault charge was dismissed.

  • The shooting occurred in May 2026.
  • Dawson entered his plea agreement on February 5, 2026, ahead of an impending trial date on February 9.

The players

Amod Dawson Jr.

A 30-year-old man from Springfield Township who pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence in the shooting death of Robert Boon.

Robert Boon

A 37-year-old man who was shot and killed outside a bar in West Toledo in May 2026.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to address the root causes of violence in our community and ensure appropriate accountability for those who commit such acts.”

— Lucas County Prosecutor (Toledo Blade)

What’s next

The judge will formally sentence Dawson on February 20, 2026.

The takeaway

This plea deal highlights the ongoing challenges of gun violence and public safety in Toledo, where efforts at reform and crime reduction have struggled to make a significant impact. The case also raises questions about sentencing guidelines and whether 15 years is an appropriate punishment for a homicide.