Grand jury indicts teen for aggravated murder

April 4, 2008 at 2:57p.m.

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County grand jury has indicted a 16-year-old on aggravated murder, aggravated robbery and felonious assault charges with gun specifications in the death of a 19-year-old on the city’s North Side.

James E. Steward III, of Thornton Avenue, was indicted Thursday in the Nov. 4, 2007, shooting death of David B. Clinkscale Jr. inside an apartment in the 2300 block of Ohio Avenue.

Steward had been bound over to the grand jury from juvenile court for trial as an adult and faces a possible life sentence if convicted of the aggravated murder charge.

Two co-defendants, Derrick C. Veal of Toledo and Tora Barnette of Upland Avenue, both 19, are scheduled for trial on the same charges May 12 before Judge Maureen A. Sweeney of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court. Detectives said more than one gunman opened fire.

Also indicted by the grand jury were Taran D. Helms, 22, and his girlfriend, Hattie L. Gilbert, 20, both of East Judson Avenue, both charged in a staged vehicular crash, robbery and shooting that left a fast-food restaurant manager paralyzed March 24.

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