Melvin Shaw aggravated murder trial under way

YOUNGSTOWN — The mother of a murdered 17-year-old girl said her daughter was involved in a volatile relationship with her alleged killer for months before she was gunned down.

Tracee Hewlett, mother of 17-year-old Tracee Banks who was murdered at a West Side home in 2010, took the stand today before a jury of six men and six women to talk about the daughter she lost two years ago.

Across the courtroom was seated Melvin S. Shaw II, 20, of Idlewood Avenue, who is charged with the aggravated murder of Banks and attempted murder of Jamel Turner, 18, of Youngstown. Judge James C. Evans of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court is presiding over the trial.

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