LOOKING BACK

LOOKING BACK

Time line

A year ago today, Youngstown resident, Joe Kaluza’s life was altered when he was shot by a robber on South Avenue.

March 24, 2008: Joe Kaluza, manager of the KFC on South Avenue, was shot in the neck by a robber. The KFC bank deposit of about $300 was taken. Kaluza was left paralyzed from the neck down.

Aug. 20, 2008: Kaluza returned to his home in Youngstown after spending nearly five months in Cleveland Metro Hospital’s rehab unit.

Sept. 18, 2008: After less than four hours of deliberations, jurors found Taran Helms guilty of attempted murder, felonious assault, aggravated robbery and kidnapping in the Kaluza robbery and shooting. Hattie Gilbert was found guilty of complicity to all of those charges.

Sept. 23, 2008: Judge Timothy E. Franken imposed maximum sentence on both Helms and Gilbert — 50 years each in prison.

March 24, 2009: One year anniversary of the shooting.

Source: Vindicator files