Drake jailed on $750K bond on murder charge

YOUNGSTOWN — Walter Drake, 26, of Hilton Avenue, is in Mahoning County jail on a $750,000 bond, charged with the shooting death of 24-year-old Dion Weatherspoon.

Drake appeared today before Judge Elizabeth Kobly of Youngstown Municipal Court for arraignment on a murder charge. Prosecutors asked the court to impose a $1 million bond.

Atty. Lou DeFabio, representing Drake, told the court the shooting took place in his client’s own front yard and his client took action in self-defense.

DeFabio said Drake does not have a violent history, is married, is a homeowner and has not been convicted of any felonies. He said the public would not be at risk if Drake is released on a $250,000 bond.

Judge Kobly, before setting the $750,000 bond, said the public is always at risk when there is gunplay involved.

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