KALUZA CASE | Check here for updates

YOUNGSTOWN — Closing statements are expected this morning in the trial of two people accused in the robbery and shooting that left the manager of a South Avenue restaurant paralyzed.

Defense attorneys John B. Juhasz, who represents Taran Helms, and Martin Yavorcik, who represents Hattie Gilbert, rested their cases Wednesday afternoon without calling any witnesses.

Both Helms, 23, of West Hylda Avenue, and Gilbert, 20, of East Judson Avenue, are charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, felonious assault and aggravated robbery in the March 24 shooting that left Joseph Kaluza, the manager of the South Avenue KFC, a paraplegic.

After the closing statements, Judge Timothy E. Franken of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court will give jurors instructions and they will begin deliberations.