The trial of a Youngstown man accused of murdering a 24-year-old and wounding two others including a toddler.

Following jury selection Tuesday morning, opening statements were given in the trial of 22-year-old Vashaud May who is accused of the shooting death of 24-year-old Rawsheem Aponte in April of 2022.

The prosecution went first explaining the circumstances leading up to the homicide.

The prosecution says Aponte and his fiance were going to the grocery store with their two kids while making a stop at his friend's house. Prosecutors say when he got to the friend's house, two cars were sitting there and appeared to be waiting for him.

Prosecutors say when Aponte tried to leave, gunfire erupted and people in multiple cars were chasing and shooting at them. After trying to avoid the gunfire and coming up to a dead end, Aponte was shot and killed and his fiance and daughter were injured.

Aponte's son did not sustain any injuries.

The defense was up next and argued that while all of the events the prosecution described are provable, what isn't provable is that May was the one behind them.

During testimony, body camera video was shown to the jury, which showed Aponte's daughter being treated for her injuries and officers putting a tourniquet on her leg to stop her bleeding.

May is currently facing charges of aggravated murder and three counts of attempted murder. He was found and arrested in Minnesota back in November of 2023. 

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