Candlelight vigil set for young shooting victims

June 27, 2008 at 12:00a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN — The lives of the friends and families of two East Side teens were shaken up June 11 after a shooting on the South Side. Now, two weeks later, the city is organizing a candlelight vigil to remember LaShonda Shaw, 16, who was killed; and Randolph Jeter, 19, who is in critical condition at St. Elizabeth’s Health Center.

Shaw was a passenger in Jeter’s car, which was parked against traffic, around 10:30 that evening in the 100 block of West Delason Avenue, police have said. Another car pulled up, and whoever was inside opened fire. Shots hit Shaw first because of the way the cars were parked. She was struck in her back and torso. Jeter sustained a wound to the head.

The vigil, meant to bring community members together to support the end of street violence, will begin at 8:30 p.m. Saturday at 196 W. Delason Ave., between Hillman and Oakhill Avenues.

Weapon testing planned

VIENNA — The 910th Airlift Wing’s Security Forces Squadron on Monday will be conducting routine nighttime weapons firing qualifications during the hours of darkness (usually between 9 p.m. and midnight).

It is possible that neighboring communities may wonder about the loud noises. This is part of the security forces members’ training proficiency and there is no need to be alarmed, the airlift wing said in a statement.

Man suspected in multiple robberies

POLAND — Police suspect that the same man who robbed grocery stores in Howland, Hubbard and Columbiana was responsible for a robbery at Giant Eagle here on Monday.

Police said that the man came into the store at about 8:45 p.m. and walked to the checkout line to pay for a package of breath mints. He gave the cashier $2 to pay for the mints and when the cashier opened the register to get the man’s change, he reached into the cash drawer, grabbing more than $1,200, and ran from the store.

The store’s video security footage was reviewed and the man matches the basic description of the suspect in the other robberies, said Brian Goodin, Poland Township police chief. Police are continuing to look for the man after a search of the area with Beaver police dogs yielded no results.

Ceremonies planned to honor Korean War vets

AUSTINTOWN — Korean War Veterans Chapter 137 and the Tri-State Marine Corps Detachment Honor Guard will conduct ceremonies beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Korean War Veterans Memorial to honor Mahoning Valley residents from Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties who died in the Korean War.

Chapter 137will conduct the Laying of the Roses ceremony to honor the 120 Valley residents who were killed; and Chapter 137and the Marine Corps Honor Guard will unveil a new plaque at the memorial honoring Youngstown native Marine Pfc. John D. Kelly, who was killed in action in Korea in 1952 and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Food drive in Boardman

BOARDMAN — The community is asked to help support Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley by donating nonperishable items from Saturday through July 6 at Sam’s Club, 6361 South Ave.

Second Harvest supplies thousands of pounds of food to food pantries in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties.