Murder suspect fires attorney; judge warns against more delays

YOUNGSTOWN — A man who was expected to go on trial today in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court for the murder of a man on the North Side during a domestic dispute in April has fired his lawyer.

Judge Anthony D'Apolito warned Jermaine Tubbs, 26, that no matter what lawyer takes the case, the trial will not be further delayed.

Tubbs turned down a plea offer in the case Monday and another one today as potential jurors were waiting to be selected before saying he was unhappy with is lawyer, Anthony Meranto.

Meranto said his client is unhappy because he did not believe him when he told Tubbs the evidence does not favor him.

Tubbs is accused of killing Michael Brooks, 52, during an argument April 11 at a DuPont Street apartment complex.