Slaying suspect’s parents placed on probation

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

John Houser Sr. and Frances Cianciola of Volney Road, parents of murder suspect Jamar Houser, were placed on probation after pleading guilty to obstructing justice in their son’s case.

The elder Houser, 46, was put on five years’ probation, and Cianciola, 42, on two years’ probation Friday by Judge Lou A. D’Apolito of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

They are accused of threatening a potential witness in their son’s case.

A condition of their probation is that they are to have no contact with anyone associated with their son’s case, said Rebecca L. Doherty, an assistant county prosecutor.

Jamar Houser, 19, of Volney Road, is charged with aggravated murder and aggravated robbery with death-penalty specifications in the Jan. 23 fatal shooting of Angeline Fimognari, 80, of Sheridan Road, outside St. Dominic Church on the South Side.

Judge D’Apolito warned the elder Houser and Cianciola that they could go to prison for a year if they violate the terms of their probation.

The elder Houser has a prior criminal record; Cianciola does not.

Doherty said she recommended probation because her goal is to keep Houser’s parents from interfering in their son’s case, and she believes the judge will have more and longer control over them by having them on probation than in prison.

Their son’s case is also assigned to Judge D’Apolito.