Jury finds Larese Jones guilty of murder

YOUNGSTOWN — A jury found Larese Jones guilty of murder in the shooting death of Richard Helms this morning after less than two hours of deliberations.

The 10-woman, two-man jury also found Jones guilty of all other charges, including aggravated robbery, aggravated drug trafficking and involuntary manslaughter.

The prosecution said Jones, 30, of Wampum Drive, was guilty of murder because he was complicit with Helms, 43, of Himrod Avenue, in a robbery which resulted in Helms’ death. The prosecution made the same linkage between the involuntary manslaughter and drug trafficking charges.

Police said Jones told them he drove Helms on Feb. 22 to the Randolph Street residence of David Klamer Jr., 47, knowing that Helms planned to sell OxyContin to Klamer and then rob Klamer.

Klamer told police he fatally shot Helms during the robbery.

Jones’ trial began Monday before Judge R. Scott Krichbaum of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

Jones faces 18 years to life in prison when he is sentenced at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

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