Suspects in two slayings indicted on aggravated-murder charges

Both suspects were arrested last week.

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County grand jury has indicted suspects on aggravated-murder charges in two South Side shooting deaths this month.

James A. Hudson Jr., 32, of West Ravenwood Avenue, is charged with aggravated murder, aggravated robbery and abuse of a corpse with firearm and repeat violent offender specifications in the Aug. 13 death of Jajuan Robbins, 20, whose last known address was on Pasadena Avenue. Hudson was arrested Aug. 18.

Robbins was found with his throat cut in a vacant house in the 2800 block of Cain Street and had been dead for only a matter of hours when his body was found. Police initially said Robbins also may have been shot.

Without being specific, Thursday’s indictment said Hudson “treated a human corpse in a way that would outrage reasonable community sensibilities.”

The repeat violent offender specifications cite Hudson’s July 30, 1996, aggravated robbery conviction in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

The grand jury also indicted Kevin L. West, 21, of Clearmount Drive, on an aggravated murder charge with a firearm specification in the Aug. 16 death of Delbert L. Jones. West was arrested Aug. 20.

Jones, 22, was found in a field adjacent to his home in the 800 block of West Indianola Avenue, with several gunshot wounds to his back and pronounced dead there.

Hudson and West could serve life in prison without parole if they’re convicted of aggravated murder.