Prosecutor doubts Kaluza death could add new charges against his assailants

YOUNGSTOWN

Mahoning County Prosecutor Paul Gains said today he doubts new charges of murder can be filed against the two people convicted of the armed robbery and shooting of a South Avenue fast-food restaurant manager in 2008.

Joseph Kaluza, 49, was paralyzed from the neck down in the shooting. He died Thursday afternoon of a sudden illness, Kaluza’s sister, Anna Fitzgerald, said.

She said he was admitted to the emergency room Thursday morning and died at about 4:30 p.m. She is not sure yet of a cause of a death, but since the shooting, he has had a variety of health problems and needed special care.

Kaluza was shot in the neck and paralyzed March 24, 2008, as he was driving to a bank to make a deposit from the KFC restaurant on South Avenue, where he was the manager.

Taran Helms, 29, and Hattie Gilbert, 28, were both convicted of several charges, including attempted murder and aggravated robbery, in September 200.

Read more about Joe and his family in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.