2 charged in off-campus shootings have more court hearings

YOUNGSTOWN — Two of the six men accused in the shooting near Youngstown State University that brought a national spotlight to the area appeared for more hearings in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

The Feb. 6 shootings at a house party on Indiana Avenue just north of the university campus left Jamail Johnson, a 25-year-old YSU student, dead, and 11 others wounded.

Mark E. Jones, 20, of Cambridge Avenue, appeared today before Magistrate Dominic DeLaurentis for arraignment on charges of murder by way of complicity, felonious assault and shooting into a building.

Accompanied by his attorney Thomas Zena, he pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.

Jones’ case was assigned to Judge John M. Durkin. He remains jailed on a $1 million bond, but Zena said he will address the issue of bond with the court at a later date.

Jamelle Jackson, 18, of West Boston Avenue, also appeared today before the magistrate. Jackson originally had been indicted on charges of carrying concealed weapons, tampering with evidence and obstructing justice, but murder and felonious assault charges have since been filed against him.

Jackson has been in the county jail on a $150,000 bond.

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