Aggravated murder trial begins

Liberty Township man accused of shooting person holding infant

YOUNGSTOWN -- Opening statements and testimony will begin this morning in the aggravated murder trial of Louis J. Littlejohn, 65, of Logangate Road, Liberty Township.

Littlejohn is accused of shooting to death Charles Pargo, 27, in September 2017 while Pargo was holding his infant son. The child is Littlejohn's grandson.

Officers were called to the home to investigate an argument taking place over who should have custody of the infant.

Youngstown police said officers thought everything had been settled and were leaving the home when Littlejohn ran back to the house and shot Pargo as he held his son in his arms.

Police arrested Littlejohn as he ran from the home and tossed the gun.

The infant was not harmed, but police said there was blood on his clothing.

Assistant Prosecutors Dawn Cantalamessa and Stephen Maszczak are prosecuting the case. Littlejohn's attorney is Joseph F. Gorman of Akron.

Tuesday may have been the last day jurors will have to wear masks or face shields. Today, the mask and social-distancing requirements end across Ohio. On Tuesday, jurors were wearing face shields and potential jurors were wearing masks.

A jury was seated Tuesday afternoon.