YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Jurors in the Stevie Ballard felonious assault trial deliberated for about an hour on Thursday before adjourning for the day. They will continue their deliberations this morning in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.
The trial included testimony from multiple residents of Westminster Avenue in Austintown, where the shooting incident took place on November 11, 2021. The prosecution and defense focused their closing arguments on these witnesses.
One of the witnesses, Sharon Berry, stood out during the trial. Although she did not know Ballard personally, she testified that she recognized him as the shooter. Berry stated that she had seen Ballard frequently in the neighborhood and was confident in her identification.
The prosecution also highlighted Trayshaun M. Hill, who was found to be the driver of the targeted vehicle. Hill was located about a third of a mile away from the scene and was found in possession of a gun. He later pleaded guilty to multiple charges.
On the other hand, Ballard’s defense team emphasized that there was no concrete evidence linking him to the crime. Defense lawyer Nick Cerni pointed out that there were no surveillance cameras or witness accounts that corroborated the allegations against Ballard.
Despite the discrepancy in witness testimony, the prosecution commended Berry for her vigilance in observing her neighborhood. They argued that she had prior knowledge of the shooter based on her familiarity with the area and confrontation she witnessed.
Ballard is facing charges of felonious assault, discharging firearms on or near prohibited premises, having weapons while not allowed, and carrying a concealed weapon.
The jury will reconvene today to reach a verdict in the trial.
In Mahoning County Common Pleas Court, jurors in the Stevie Ballard felonious assault trial deliberated for about an hour on Thursday before adjourning. The trial centered around a shooting incident on November 11, 2021, in Austintown.
During the trial, witnesses from Westminster Avenue provided testimony, with one witness, Sharon Berry, identifying Ballard as the shooter. Berry claimed to have seen Ballard frequently and was confident in her identification.
The prosecution also mentioned Trayshaun M. Hill, the driver of the targeted vehicle, who was found with a gun nearby. Hill later pleaded guilty to related charges.
Ballard’s defense team contested the lack of concrete evidence against him. They highlighted the absence of surveillance footage or witness accounts supporting the allegations.
Despite inconsistent witness testimony, the prosecution praised Berry for her awareness of her neighborhood and her ability to identify the shooter. They argued that she had prior knowledge based on her familiarity with the area.
Ballard is facing charges of felonious assault, discharging firearms on or near prohibited premises, having weapons while not allowed, and carrying a concealed weapon.
The jury will resume deliberations today to determine Ballard’s guilt or innocence.