Capital charges still possible in Honsaker case

WARREN

Though Marcus Honsaker is indicted on an aggravated murder charge that does not carry the potential for the death penalty, that could change.

During Honsaker's arraignment hearing this afternoon in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court, Assistant Trumbull County Prosecutor Chris Becker told Magistrate Jami Bishop that capital charges could still could be filed later against Honsaker, 26, of Reo Court, depending on the results of forensic evidence being sent to the state crime lab.

"We'll know about forensic evidence in about 30 days," Becker said just after the hearing.

Bishop set bond at $2 million, and Honsaker entered a not-guilty plea.

Honsaker is accused of stabbing to death his great uncle, Donald Giovannone, 71, at Giovannone's house on Atlantic Street NW.

Honsaker is also charged with aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery and tampering with evidence.

Police found Giovannone's body Nov. 20.