Judge grants trial relocation for remaining defendants in YSU shooting case

YOUNGSTOWN — Judge John M. Durkin today granted a change of venue for the four remaining defendants in the Feb. 6, 2011, shootings at a house party near Youngstown State University.

The trials of the remaining defendants will be Nov. 26, most likely in the Summit County Courthouse in Akron, said Atty. Thomas E. Zena, who made the motion for a change of venue on behalf of his client Mark Jones.

In the shootings, Jamail Johnson, a YSU senior, was killed and 11 others wounded. Judge Durkin's decision followed the trial and conviction of Columbus Jones, brother of Mark Jones. Columbus Jones received a 92-year prison term.

The prosecution, defense and judge all agreed a change of venue was necessary because seating an impartial jury in Mahoning County, would be " a futile act," Zena said.

Zena said he believes it was first change of venue granted here in about 15 years.

The two other defendants are Demetrius Wright and Brandon Carter.

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