Trial begins Tuesday in Dill murder

YOUNGSTOWN — Testimony will begin Tuesday in the aggravated murder trial of a 19-year-old city man accused of shooting Martwain Dill in broad daylight Nov. 11 on Glenwood Avenue.

Six men and six women jurors were selected Monday to hear the case against Eric Lewis of Kenmore Avenue, who could receive a sentence of between 23 years to life in prison or life in prison without parole if convicted.

The case is being heard in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court by Visiting Judge Charles J. Bannon.

Lewis and Gary Crockett, 29, of Buckeye Circle, are accused of being the gunmen who killed Dill while he sat in his pickup truck.

Another man who rode in the same car with Crockett and Lewis, Keith B. Tillis Jr., 18, of North Lakeview Avenue, has agreed to testify in Lewis’ trial in exchange for having all charges against him dropped.

It is not known when Tillis will testify. Opening statements are expected early Tuesday, followed by a jury viewing of the homicide scene and of the Life Skills Academy on Market Street, where Lewis, Tillis and another accomplice, Bertrum Moore of Whitney Avenue, were students.

Moore was convicted in June of being the driver of the car in which Crockett, Lewis and Tillis rode the day of the killing. He was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for his role.

For the complete story, please see Tuesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.