Son's blood cries from grave for justice, father tells court at sentencing

YOUNGSTOWN

Gene Molnar said in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday that he is not sure if his son had anything to do with his own death. One thing he is sure of, though, is wanting justice.

Molnar was speaking at the sentencing hearing for 27-year-old Matthew Alexander before Judge John Durkin. Alexander pleaded guilty Dec. 10 to a charge of reckless homicide in the shooting death of 34-year-old Matthew Molnar last April 3 at Molnar’s Struthers home.

“I believe his [Matthew Molnar’s] blood cries out of the ground for justice,” Gene Molnar said.

Alexander was placed on three years’ probation for the death. He also must perform 200 hours of community service.

Gene Molnar said no one knows what led up to the shooting of his son except God. He said he did not have a close relationship with Matthew, but to end up burying his own child was a shock.

“I hope to God he [Matthew] wasn’t at fault,” Gene Molnar said.

Police say Alexander shot Matthew Molnar at about 2:45 a.m. April 3 after a night of heavy drinking. Reports said the two had fought in the parking lot of a Coitsville strip club.

Read more about the case in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.