Murder suspect rejects plea; trial could start Tuesday

YOUNGSTOWN — A suspect in an April 11 murder at a North Side apartment complex has rejected a plea offer in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

Because of the rejection Jermaine Tubbs, 26, will go on trial Tuesday for the April 11 shooting death of Michael Brooks, 52, who was shot and killed during a domestic dispute at a DuPont Street apartment.

Prosecutors offered to drop a charge of being a felon in possession and a firearm specification on the murder charge and recommend a sentence of 15 years to life in prison but Tubbs rejected that offer.

He faces a maximum sentence of 21 years to life if convicted.

Jurors are expected to report to the courtroom of Judge Anthony D'Apolito Tuesday morning to be selected to hear the case.