2009 murder case returns to appeals court

YOUNGSTOWN — After two mistrials, the case of a man charged in a 2009 homicide is returning to the 7th District Court of Appeals.

Atty. Anthony P. Meranto filed a notice of appeal on behalf of the defendant, Paul Brown, after Judge Maureen A. Sweeney overruled defense motions for dismissal of the case and for a stay of further trial court proceedings.

In ruling against a stay, Judge Sweeney, of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court, set Sept. 21 as the new jury trial starting date.

Brown is charged with the murder of 17-year-old Ashten Jackson.

The prosecution contends Brown, 37, of Falls Avenue, and another man picked Jackson up on May 25, 2009, hoping Jackson would help Brown commit a robbery.

Police arrested Brown on a weapons charge shortly after Jackson went missing.

Jackson, who had been shot four times, was found dead in a field on the city’s East Side on May 30, 2009.

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