Topline: Bond set at $1M for man charged in death of Toledo graduate who overcame homelessness.
Published: December 2, 2025 8:00 am ET
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Left: Malicai Calder, Right: Martel Huggins (via Toledo Police Department/Lucas County Corrections Center)
TOLEDO, OH — A Toledo man was charged with murder and assault in the death of a college graduate reported missing days earlier.
Martel Huggins, 33, was arrested Nov. 25 in connection with the death of Malicai Calder, 27, as per the Toledo Police Department. Huggins faces charges in the killing of the University of Toledo graduate, who was first reported missing Nov. 22, according to WTOL.
Authorities stopped Huggins in the victim’s car and discovered parts of Calder’s body inside, WTVG reported. Court records reviewed by the Toledo Blade said Calder had gunshot and stab wounds to the head.
The Lucas County Coroner’s Office stated that Calder was dismembered, according to WTVG. A local coroner confirmed to People magazine that the manner of death was ruled a homicide. The cause, time, and date of death remain under investigation.
A motive for the death of Calder remains unknown.
The death shocked the Toledo community where Calder was regarded as a local success story. He had recently graduated with a master’s degree from the University of Toledo.
Calder had overcome homelessness earlier in life. Pastor Heather Boone, who met Calder when he was 19 and living at a homeless shelter, remembered the young man for his perseverance and character.
Boone described the recent university grad as both sweet and hardworking, according to WTOL. She stated that Calder was eager to help others and called his death “heartbreaking and devastating.”
“He didn’t deserve this, and he was just an amazing young man,” Boone told WTOL.
Calder was frequently cited as an example to others facing difficult circumstances. The pastor explained that when young people arrive at the shelter, staff members often tell them Calder’s story as a positive example of what is possible.
“It’s just sad, because he’s our success story,” Boone said.
Carolina Thomas, Calder’s cousin, issued a statement to the outlet detailing her grief. Thomas noted that Calder was a beloved person who was bright and always willing to help others, even if it meant giving his last possession.
Huggins is currently being held on a $1 million bond, The Toledo Blade reported. The suspect is scheduled for his next court appearance on Dec. 1, according to WTVG.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Ohio Man Held in Death of Graduate Who Beat Homelessness
Bond set at $1M for man charged in death of Toledo graduate who overcame homelessness.
By Kate Byrd
Published: December 2, 2025 8:00 am ET
Left: Malicai Calder, Right: Martel Huggins (via Toledo Police Department/Lucas County Corrections Center)
TOLEDO, OH — A Toledo man was charged with murder and assault in the death of a college graduate reported missing days earlier.
Martel Huggins, 33, was arrested Nov. 25 in connection with the death of Malicai Calder, 27, as per the Toledo Police Department. Huggins faces charges in the killing of the University of Toledo graduate, who was first reported missing Nov. 22, according to WTOL.
Authorities stopped Huggins in the victim’s car and discovered parts of Calder’s body inside, WTVG reported. Court records reviewed by the Toledo Blade said Calder had gunshot and stab wounds to the head.
The Lucas County Coroner’s Office stated that Calder was dismembered, according to WTVG. A local coroner confirmed to People magazine that the manner of death was ruled a homicide. The cause, time, and date of death remain under investigation.
A motive for the death of Calder remains unknown.
The death shocked the Toledo community where Calder was regarded as a local success story. He had recently graduated with a master’s degree from the University of Toledo.
Calder had overcome homelessness earlier in life. Pastor Heather Boone, who met Calder when he was 19 and living at a homeless shelter, remembered the young man for his perseverance and character.
Boone described the recent university grad as both sweet and hardworking, according to WTOL. She stated that Calder was eager to help others and called his death “heartbreaking and devastating.”
“He didn’t deserve this, and he was just an amazing young man,” Boone told WTOL.
Calder was frequently cited as an example to others facing difficult circumstances. The pastor explained that when young people arrive at the shelter, staff members often tell them Calder’s story as a positive example of what is possible.
“It’s just sad, because he’s our success story,” Boone said.
Carolina Thomas, Calder’s cousin, issued a statement to the outlet detailing her grief. Thomas noted that Calder was a beloved person who was bright and always willing to help others, even if it meant giving his last possession.
Huggins is currently being held on a $1 million bond, The Toledo Blade reported. The suspect is scheduled for his next court appearance on Dec. 1, according to WTVG.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Ohio Man Held in Death of Graduate Who Beat Homelessness
Bond set at $1M for man charged in death of Toledo graduate who overcame homelessness.
By Kate Byrd
Published: December 2, 2025 8:00 am ET
Left: Malicai Calder, Right: Martel Huggins (via Toledo Police Department/Lucas County Corrections Center)
TOLEDO, OH — A Toledo man was charged with murder and assault in the death of a college graduate reported missing days earlier.
Martel Huggins, 33, was arrested Nov. 25 in connection with the death of Malicai Calder, 27, as per the Toledo Police Department. Huggins faces charges in the killing of the University of Toledo graduate, who was first reported missing Nov. 22, according to WTOL.
Authorities stopped Huggins in the victim’s car and discovered parts of Calder’s body inside, WTVG reported. Court records reviewed by the Toledo Blade said Calder had gunshot and stab wounds to the head.
The Lucas County Coroner’s Office stated that Calder was dismembered, according to WTVG. A local coroner confirmed to People magazine that the manner of death was ruled a homicide. The cause, time, and date of death remain under investigation.
A motive for the death of Calder remains unknown.
The death shocked the Toledo community where Calder was regarded as a local success story. He had recently graduated with a master’s degree from the University of Toledo.
Calder had overcome homelessness earlier in life. Pastor Heather Boone, who met Calder when he was 19 and living at a homeless shelter, remembered the young man for his perseverance and character.
Boone described the recent university grad as both sweet and hardworking, according to WTOL. She stated that Calder was eager to help others and called his death “heartbreaking and devastating.”
“He didn’t deserve this, and he was just an amazing young man,” Boone told WTOL.
Calder was frequently cited as an example to others facing difficult circumstances. The pastor explained that when young people arrive at the shelter, staff members often tell them Calder’s story as a positive example of what is possible.
“It’s just sad, because he’s our success story,” Boone said.
Carolina Thomas, Calder’s cousin, issued a statement to the outlet detailing her grief. Thomas noted that Calder was a beloved person who was bright and always willing to help others, even if it meant giving his last possession.
Huggins is currently being held on a $1 million bond, The Toledo Blade reported. The suspect is scheduled for his next court appearance on Dec. 1, according to WTVG.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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