Suspect seeks new lawyer as murder trial was about to start

YOUNGSTOWN — The suspect in the death of a West Side woman last July will be getting a new lawyer.

Judge Lou D'Apolito made the decision the day a bench trial for James Jarrell, 34, was to start in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

Jarrell complained just before trial began today that he was unhappy with one of his two court appointed lawyers, so a new lawyer will take over the case.

Jarrell is accused of killing his stepmother, Tina Jarrell, 55, who was killed July 7, 2015, in her Wellington Avenue home.