Will Niles teen be tried as an adult on homicide charge?

WARREN — A hearing to determine whether Jacob Larosa, 15, will be tried as an adult in the killing of his elderly neighbor March 31 in her Cherry Street home in Niles, started today in Trumbull County Juvenile Court. It will last up to four days.

The hearing is closed to the public after a ruling by Judge Sandra Stabile Harwood, one of the two juvenile/family court judges.

In her judgment entry, Judge Stabile Harwood said it will be closed because of the “confidentiality of the nature of the reports that will be testified to.” She was referring to mental and other evaluations that have been carried out on Larosa.

Larosa, of Lafayette Avenue in Niles, is charged with killing Marie Belcastro, 94. He is charged with aggravated murder, attempted rape, aggravated burglary and aggravated robbery.

Ohio law says Larosa can be tried as an adult rather than as a juvenile if he was least 14 years old at the time of the offense, there is probable cause to believe he committed the act, and he is not amenable to care or rehabilitation within the juvenile system, and the safety of the community requires that he be subject to adult sanctions.

Probable cause was determined at the last hearing, which took place April 30.

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