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Hearing for Jacob Larosa began Monday in Trumbull Juvenile Court
By Ed Runyan
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 Monday 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.
State law says that Judge Stabile Harwood was required to order an investigation into Larosa’s social history, education, family situation and any other factor bearing on whether he is amenable to juvenile rehabilitation, including a mental examination.
Ohio laws says the following are some of the factors Judge Stabile Harwood must consider in her decision:
Whether the victim “suffered physical or psychological harm, or serious economic harm.”
Whether the physical or psychological harm suffered by the victim “was exacerbated because of the physical or psychological vulnerability or the age of the victim.”
Whether Larosa’s “relationship with the victim facilitated” the crimes.
Whether the child purportedly committed the act charged for hire or as a part of a gang or other organized criminal activity.
Whether the child had or used a firearm.
Whether the child had prior juvenile offenses or pending charges.
Whether the results of any previous juvenile sanctions and programs indicate that his rehabilitation will not occur in the juvenile system.
Whether the child is emotionally, physically, or psychologically mature enough to be tried in the adult system.
Whether there is not sufficient time to rehabilitate him within the juvenile system.