Charge reduced to manslaughter in Lake Milton killing

AUSTINTOWN — The man accused of killing a 28-year-old Diamond man in Lake Milton on Thursday night was arraigned Monday in Mahoning County Area Court on charges of voluntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence.

Edward A. Miller Jr., 20, of Rose Lawn Avenue, Lake Milton, was advised of the charges against him, and Judge Scott Hunter set bail at $250,000 on the voluntary manslaughter charge and $8,000 on the tampering with evidence charge.

If convicted on the charges, Miller could be sent to prison for four to 15 years.

Mahoning County Coroner David M. Kennedy said Eric E. Showalter died of a stab wound. Officials believe Showalter was stabbed during a fight with Miller about 9 p.m. in the parking lot of Lake Shore Plaza, which is across the street from El Carlos Mexican Restaurant.

The owner of the restaurant said Miller was an employee of the El Carlos.

Milton Township Police Chief Michael Saltsman did not return a phone call to explain why charges were reduced from aggravated murder to voluntary manslaughter. Aggravated murder carries a possible life prison sentence.

Miller is due back in court at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday for a preliminary hearing.

Miller was represented in court Monday Atty. John B. Juhasz.