MAHONING COUNTY Judge alters bond in shooting case
The defendant can pay $20,000 and hire a bail bondsman to get out of jail.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- A judge modified, but didn't reduce, the $500,000 bond for a Lansdowne Boulevard man charged with shooting a man in the face. Wayne Martin, 20, is charged with attempted murder and felonious assault in the December shooting of Sam Vona III, 30, of Struthers.
Judge James C. Evans left the total bond at $500,000, but split it into two parts. Martin can pay 10 percent of a $200,000 bond to get out of jail, but must first pay a bail bondsman who will secure the other $300,000.
Assistant Prosecutor Michael Maillis said Martin shot Vona several times in the face during a drug deal. Vona had gone to a crack house to buy crack cocaine from Martin, Maillis said.
Martin then put Vona in his own car and drove him to the East Side, where Vona jumped from the car to escape. He collapsed and was found later by a passer-by. His car was found on Beachwood Drive, near Jacobs Road.
Sought a reduction
Martin's attorney, John F. Shultz, argued that the bond was excessive and should be reduced to an amount Martin could pay so he can be released from jail pending a trial.
Besides being able to spend time with his family, Martin needs to be released from jail so he can assist in preparing his defense, Shultz said.
He noted that Martin voluntarily surrendered to police for arrest, proving that he's not a risk to leave the area if he's let out of jail.
But Maillis argued that the serious and violent nature of the crime, coupled with the fact that Martin is accused of trying to have someone burn down the house where the shooting happened, are reasons to keep the bond as it was.
He said Vona was left blind by the gunshot injuries.
bjackson@vindy.com