Man gets probation for drug trafficking, but faces murder trial

YOUNGSTOWN — A city man has been sentenced to probation for dealing drugs but is still waiting his day in court to face charges in a 2009 double murder.

Lorenza I. Barnette, 28, of Lora Avenue, appeared today before Judge Lou D’Apolito of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court for sentencing. Barnette previously had pleaded guilty to trafficking in drugs.

Barnette was indicted in August and charged with three counts of trafficking in drugs. The indictment says Barnette on three separate dates last year attempted to sell heroin on the city streets. Two of the attempted transactions took place within 1,000 feet of a school, police said.

Barnette also is facing much more serious charges of aggravated murder that could land him on Ohio’s death row if convicted.

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