Jury selection continues today in murder trial

Two co-defendants have already pleaded guilty.

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — Jury selection began Tuesday and will continue today for the trial of Aaron Sherrod and D’Metri Lee, who are charged with aggravated murder in the Nov, 18, 2007, shooting death of James E. Dow on the city’s North Side.

The trial is before Judge Maureen A. Sweeney of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

Sherrod, 22, of Stockbridge, Ga., and Lee, 21, of Idlewood Avenue, also are charged with the aggravated robbery and kidnapping of Dow and felonious assault against another man, a friend of Dow’s, who survived being shot in the hip on the same day. All counts carry firearm specifications.

Dow, 28, of South Lakeview Avenue, was found dead in the basement of 145 Thornton Ave., his feet bound with tape.

Two co-defendants, who were indicted on the same charges as Sherrod and Lee, have already made plea agreements with the prosecution and been sentenced to prison terms by Judge R. Scott Krichbaum of the same court.

Edward Taylor II, 21, of Hudson Avenue, drew a 22-year prison term; and Michael W. Lee, 22, of Cordova Avenue, drew a 30-year prison term. Michael Lee is not related to D’Metri Lee.

Taylor and Michael Lee pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter with a firearm specification and to the robbery and kidnapping of Dow and felonious assault on Dow’s friend.

The prosecution believes D’Metri Lee fatally shot Dow in the head. Police believe Michael Lee shot Dow’s friend.

The case is being prosecuted by Jennifer McLaughlin Smith, an assistant county prosecutor.

D’Metri Lee is represented by Atty. John F. Shultz. Sherrod is represented by Atty. David Betras.