Trial under way for Youngstown man charged with killing Campbell man last year

YOUNGSTOWN — Prosecutors say Tyrell Ravnell is a cold-blooded killer; but Ravnell’s lawyer said his client was not at the scene when a 19-year-old man was gunned down in a Campbell housing development.

Ravnell, 20, of Halleck Street, is on trial before a jury of seven women and five men in the courtroom of Judge Jack Durkin of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court. He is charged with killing Christian Blackshear, 19, of Wirt Street.

Family members of the victim and Ravnell packed the courtroom this afternoon to hear the trial’s opening statements.

Jennifer McClaughlin, an assistant county prosecutor, told jurors there is no doubt concerning Ravnell’s guilt. But Ravnell's lawyer, Atty. Robert Duffrin, said his client was not at the shooting scene.

For the complete story, read Wednesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com