Jury selection begins for suspect in 2005 killing, rape of 19-year-old

YOUNGSTOWN — Jurors will be selected this week for the capital murder trial of Antonio Jackson in the Aug. 6, 2005, death of Sierra Y. Slaton, whose body was found floating in McKelvey Lake the day after she died.

Jackson, 28, of Summer Street, is charged with the aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, kidnaping and rape of Slaton, 19, of Vestal Road.

Some 110 prospective jurors underwent an orientation Friday for Jackson’s trial, which is before Judge John M. Durkin of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

Beginning Monday, prospective jurors will be interviewed by the lawyers and judge, individually and out of earshot of other potential jurors, until 12 jurors and two alternates are chosen.

If the jury convicts Jackson of any of the death specifications, the same jurors will return at a later date to hear testimony concerning what penalty should be imposed and to recommend a life or death sentence.

Prosecuting the case are Dawn Cantalamessa and Jennifer McLaughlin, assistant county prosecutors. The defense lawyers are John B. Juhasz and Lynn Maro.

A co-defendant, Antwon Lanier, 25, of Mahoning County jail, is charged with committing the same crimes against Slaton as Jackson. Lanier’s capital jury trial is to begin May 4 before Judge Durkin.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.