Coroner rules Trumbull 18-year-old’s death homicide

Staff report

WARREN

A ruling from the Trumbull County Coroner’s office that McKayla Hopkins’ death Friday was a homicide means the city had two apparently unrelated homicides on the same day — an extremely rare occurrence.

The city averages five to 10 homicides annually and has seven so far this year.

Hopkins, 18, died from a 9:15 p.m. gunshot wound to the torso while attending a birthday party in the pavilion in Perkins Park.

No arrests have been made, but police believe the shooter was among the people attending the party.

Also killed Friday was Lori Wishart, 41, of Parkman Road Southwest, whose body was found inside her burning home at 1:35 p.m. .

Police revealed Tuesday that Wishart’s death, ruled a homicide as a result of asphyxiation, occurred before the fire, suggesting that the fire was set to cover up a murder.

No arrests have been made in that case, either. Investigators have said the fire was arson.