Split verdict in Hester Howell Jr. trial

YOUNGSTOWN — A jury reached a split verdict in the trial of a man accused of torturing his former girlfriend for hours in 2008.

Hester Howell Jr., 40, has been on trial this week before Judge Lou D’Apolito of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court on charges of assault, kidnapping and felonious assault and attempted murder. A charge of domestic violence against Howell had been dropped.

A jury deliberated for several hours today before finding Howell guilty of assault and kidnapping. The jury found the South Side man not guilty of attempted murder and felonious assault.

Howell will be sentenced at a later date.

For the complete story, see Saturday's Vindicator and Vindy.com