Trial starts in shooting death tied to robbery

YOUNGSTOWN — Larese Jones is guilty of murder in the shooting death of Richard Helms, because Jones was complicit with Helms in the robbery that led to Helms’ death at the hands of the intended robbery victim, an assistant prosecutor said.

However, Jones’ defense lawyer told jurors at Jones’ trial that they’d have a hard time sorting out the events of Feb. 22 at a Randolph Street residence — and they’d have difficulty distinguishing the perpetrator from the victim.

David Klamer Jr., 47, who resided in the Randolph Street home, told police he fatally shot Helms during the robbery.

Martin P. Desmond, assistant county prosecutor, and John Dixon, Jones’ defense lawyer, made their remarks in opening statements Tuesday in Jones’ trial before Judge R. Scott Krichbaum of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

For more, see Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com