WARREN Lawyer: Defendant wasn't there

The prosecutor told jurors the evidence will prove the defendant was the shooter.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- An attorney representing a city man accused of aggravated murder says his client can prove that he was not at the scene when the shooting took place.
John Fowler, who represents Shawn Price, told jurors Tuesday before Judge Peter Kontos of Trumbull County Common Pleas Court that Price was at a friend's party on Youngstown Road on March 18.
"He was not there and did not commit these crimes," Fowler said. "Only one person, Nicki Warfield, will take the witness stand and tell you that it was Shawn Price. Listen carefully to what Nicki Warfield says and use your common sense. The prosecution made a deal with the devil -- and in this case the devil is Nicki Warfield."
Charges: Charles Morrow, an assistant Trumbull County prosecutor, said Price shot and killed William F. Jarrette Jr., 37, on March 18 and shot Warfield, 25. Warfield was shot twice but survived.
Police said the shooting took place about 1 a.m. outside Jarrette's home at 2314 Burton Street S.E.
Price is facing one count of aggravated murder, one count of attempted aggravated murder, one count of felonious assault and two counts of aggravated robbery. If convicted, he could face 20 years to life in prison, court officials said.
"Nicki Warfield went to the police after the shooting and he does not identify Shawn as the shooter," Morrow said. He noted it was about four to six months after the shooting before Warfield told police that the shooter was Price.
"I believe that after you hear all the evidence, you will find my client innocent," Fowler said.
Morrow, however, told jurors that the evidence will prove that Price was the shooter.
What's in reports: According to police reports, Warfield said he was leaving Jarrette's home around 1 a.m. when a man, wearing a black hat, pointed a gun at him. Warfield told police that the man demanded money and jewelry.
Warfield told police that he gave the man about $150 in cash, a gold necklace and a watch. Warfield said the man then shot him in the arm.
Warfield told police that he ran into the house and Jarrette ran out. Warfield said once he was in the house, he heard three more gunshots.