Charges dropped against man in June shooting

YOUNGSTOWN — There is no doubt in prosecutors’ minds that someone shot a city man multiple times in late June, but the problem is going to be proving who committed the crime.

J. Michael Thompson, an assistant Mahoning County prosecutor, asked Judge Scott R. Krichbaum of common pleas court to dismiss several criminal counts against an East Side man related to the July shooting of Richard Watkins.

A grand jury indicted Rodney Bebbs, 33, of Sunshine Avenue, on charges of aggravated burglary, felonious assault and illegal possession of a weapon. Those charges, however, were dismissed today.

Thompson said the two key witnesses recanted their initial statements to police linking Bebbs to the crime.

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