UPDATE | Prosecutors say Jason Fonseca was killed over a car and a girl

YOUNGSTOWN — Prosecutors this morning said in opening statements for two people accused of the Feb. 17, 2016, death of Jason Fonseca, 20, of Ayers Street that he was killed over two things: "It was over a car and it was over a girl."

Assistant Prosecutor Mary Beth DiGravio told jurors in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court that Fonseca had once dated a co-defendant, Angel Bell, 20, and he was killed by co-defendant Kimani Hodges, 20, because of a dispute with Bell over a car she wrecked.

DiGravio said a witness saw Hodges shoot Fonseca nine times in front of the driveway at Fonseca's home.

Hodges' lawyer, Tony Meranto, told the jurors the gunshot wounds Fonseca suffered back up a claim that his client acted in self-defense because they show there was a struggle between Hodges and Fonseca.

Meranto said words were spoken but they do not mean his client killed Fonseca.

"Words do not kill," Meranto said.

David Betras, Bell's attorney, said there are no witnesses that say Bell was at the scene at the time of the shooting.

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