Jury finds Shon Rankin innocent of murder charge

Jury finds Shon Rankin innocent of murder charge

YOUNGSTOWN — A six-man, six woman jury deliberated just one hour before acquitting a man of a murder charge in a shooting 6 1/2 years ago outside a South Side bar.

Shon D. Rankin, 28, of East Auburndale Avenue, was acquitted today in the death of Raymond Hayes, 32, of Mistletoe Avenue, who was shot once in the back with a .22-caliber handgun at 2 a.m. June 9, 2001.

The shooting occurred outside Larry’s Lounge on Hillman Street, and police said it followed a yearlong grudge.

The trial began Monday before Judge Timothy E. Franken of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

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