Jury finds man not guilty of aggravated murder in electricity-theft trial

YOUNGSTOWN — Jurors in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court found a man charged with killing another man over the theft of electricity not guilty of aggravated murder — and could not reach a verdict on several other charges.

Michael Paige, 22, who was on trial for the March 1, 2012, shooting death of 31-year-old Munir Blake, remains in the county jail because jurors could not reach verdicts today on lesser offenses of murder, voluntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence.

One of his attorneys, Doug Taylor, said he had no comment afterward except to say that he will confer with Paige’s family and perhaps have a bond hearing at a later date. His client has been in jail since he was arrested for the murder.

Assistant Prosecutor Rob Andrews also had no comment other than to say he expects the case to be re-tried.

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