YOUNGSTOWN Charge dropped against suspect

The man can be indicted again if more evidence becomes available.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Prosecutors have dropped a murder charge against a second suspect in the March shooting death of 29-year-old Stephen Shackleford.
Armin Moore, 24, of Kendis Circle, was one of four men charged with murder in Shackleford's death.
He was set for trial this week in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court, but prosecutors asked that the charge against him be dropped because they don't have enough evidence to gain a conviction.
Judge Maureen A. Cronin approved the request and dismissed the indictment after a brief hearing Monday. Moore could be indicted again if more evidence is uncovered.
Moore's attorney, Jeffrey Limbian, could not be reached to comment.
Moore is the second person in less than a week to have the murder charge against him dismissed in the Shackleford case. Prosecutors took the same action last week with Calvin Moore, 30.
As was the case with Armin Moore, prosecutors said they didn't have enough evidence to go forward. He also can be indicted again.
Lorice Moore, 25, of McGuffey Road, is serving 15 years to life in prison after a jury in August convicted him of murder.
What happened
Police said Shackleford had gotten into a fight with Armin Moore, who is Lorice Moore's cousin, about 20 minutes before the shooting. Lorice Moore punched Shackleford during the fight, after which Shackleford walked away and went home.
The Moores returned a short time later with their friend Eddie Bryant and Calvin Moore, who is Lorice Moore's brother.
A witness testified at Lorice Moore's trial that Lorice Moore went to Shackleford's home at the Victory Annex housing complex on McBride Street and chased him out the back door, firing at Shackleford as he ran.
She testified that Bryant was waiting with a gun in the back yard and also shot at Shackleford.
Bryant, 25, of Cohasset Drive, was acquitted after a jury trial in July.
The witness said Armin and Calvin Moore were in a nearby parking lot but did not fire at Shackleford.
bjackson@vindy.com