Mistrial declared in Youngstown man's murder case

YOUNGSTOWN — A city man accused of murder is going to have to wait a little longer before a jury is seated to decide his guilt or innocence.

Kevin L. West, 23, of Youngstown, was set to go on trial before Judge Maureen Sweeney of Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas, but she declared a mistrial today in the case because a jury could not be seated.

Attorneys for West and prosecutors had spent Monday questioning prospective jurors and excusing those who would not be used in the trial. The judge declared a mistrial when the last prospective juror had been questioned and prosecutors and defense attorneys still had several potential jurors that could be excused.

Judge Sweeney will set a date for a new trial in the case.

West is accused in the August 2008 murder of Delbert L. Jones, 22, of 814 W. Indianola Ave. Jones was found face down in a field between his home with several gunshot wounds to his back. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said West was driving down the road where Jones was outside and proceeded to stop the car he was driving, then got out and shot Jones.

Authorities said West and Jones were acquaintances, but a specific relationship has not been determined.