Prelim hearing set Thursday for man accused in off-campus shootings

YOUNGSTOWN — Columbus Jones Jr., charged in connection with the deadly shooting at a house used by fraternity members off the campus of Youngstown State University, may face a judge in a preliminary hearing Thursday.

Jones, 22, of Cambridge Avenue, and Braylon Rogers, 19, of East Lucius Avenue, were the first two of a total of five suspects arrested in the shooting that left 25-year-old Jamail Johnson dead and 11 people wounded. They were scheduled for a preliminary hearing today but those plans were changed.

John Marsh, assistant city prosecutor, said the prosecutor’s office initially asked to have the hearings for the two men separated, with Rogers going forward today and Jones going forward Thursday. He said security concerns are the reason for separate hearings.

Jones could be in front of the court Thursday, but that may change if the prosecutor’s office presents his case directly to a Mahoning County grand jury.

For the complete story, read Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com