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‘New information’ delays trial of suspect in killing of 80-year-old at St. Dominic’s
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Houser
YOUNGSTOWN
Prosecutors and defense attorneys are not saying much about new evidence discovered in the case against a Youngstown man accused of killing an elderly woman leaving a South Side church two years ago.
Jamar Houser, 21, of Volney Road, is charged with aggravated robbery and aggravated murder in the shooting death of Angeline Fimognari, 80, of Sheridan Road, after she left Mass at St. Dominic Church on Jan. 23, 2010. He faces the death penalty if convicted.
Houser was slated to go on trial Monday before Judge Lou A. D’Apolito of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court. More than 100 prospective jurors were set to come in for the interview process today, but a revelation from prosecutors will delay jury selection.
Rebecca Doherty, an assistant county prosecutor, informed the court there is newly discovered evidence in the case.
Prosecutors and defense lawyers Lynn Maro and John B. Juhasz, representing Houser, filed a joint motion with the judge asking that the trial be postponed until the new evidence can be investigated.
Prosecutors or defense attorneys won’t identify the new evidence or how it will affect the case against Houser.
“There is new information that needs to be investigated; beyond that I can’t say anything more,” Doherty said.
Judge D’Apolito said the information warrants investigation. He has delayed Houser’s trial until that investigation is finished.
The case has been set for trial and continued six times since March 2010.
“The interest of justice requires that these matters be investigated. I don’t expect this to take a great deal of time, but it is important that proper justice prevail,” the judge said.
Judge D’Apolito ordered prosecutors and defense attorneys to continue to provide the court with regular updates on the case’s status.