Trial underway in Aters Street homicide

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Jury selection began Tuesday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court for two people charged with taking part in a February murder on the North Side.

Kimani Hodges, 20, and Angel Bell, 20, each are charged with aggravated murder in the Feb. 17, 2016, death of Jason Fonseca, also 20, in front of his home on Ayers Street.

Police said Fonseca was shot by Hodges in front of his home, culminating an argument that began over a car.

This is the second time jurors have been summoned to hear the case. They were also called in late November, but the case was continued after a witness prosecutors were searching for was found by U.S. marshals and escaped on foot after a vehicle chase and crash. The witness turned himself in the next day.

Visiting Judge H.F. Inderlied Jr. is hearing the case.

Hodges is expected to enter a self-defense argument in his case.

Detectives believe Fonseca was feuding with Bell and Hodges over a car he sold to Bell. The two went to Fonseca’s house at least once before he was shot and killed.

During her arraignment in municipal court, prosecutors said Bell had threatened Fonseca, and she was with Hodges when Fonseca was killed. She also left with Hodges after Fonseca was shot six times, She has since posted $75,000 bond. Hodges remains in the county jail.

Hodges was arrested at a home on the South Side a few hours after Fonseca was killed.