Opening arguments set to begin in trial for 2012 murder

YOUNGSTOWN — Opening statements will begin shortly in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court in the murder trial of 26-year-old Michael Paige.

Paige is accused of the March 1, 2012, murder of Munir Blake, 31, during an argument over stolen electricity in a Lora Avenue apartment building.

Judge Maureen Sweeney is hearing the case.

Paige was tried in 2014 and was found not guilty of aggravated murder.

However, a jury deadlocked on lesser charges of murder and voluntary manslaughter. Prosecutors opted to retry him.