Jury reaches verdict in trial of man accused of fatally shooting UT football player

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - A jury returned a verdict in the trial against a Toledo man accused of killing a University of Toledo football player.

Michael Mitchell Jr. was found not guilty of murder and was found not guilty on a felonious assault charge in connection to the fatal shooting of Jahneil Douglas, 22. Mitchell was found guilty of a felonious assault charge with a gun specification.

Mitchell faces 2-8 years in prison. His sentencing is set for June 10.

Police said Mitchell fatally shot Douglas outside of the Gino’s Pizza on Monroe Street after a fight in July 2020.

He turned himself into police days after the shooting. He was released on bond in April 2021.

His trial began just this week. The defense argued Mitchell shot Douglas in self-defense. The defense said Douglas waited for Mitchell to come outside, pinned him against the wall and punched him. The prosecutor said Mitchell had other options other than shooting at Douglas.