Murder suspect says he was scared, doesn’t remember what he did with gun

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio ( WKBN) — A Campbell man testifying Thursday on his behalf in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court told a prosecutor that he was afraid for his life when he shot a man to death in September 2022 on the North Side, but he didn’t remember what happened to the gun he used.

Trial began Monday before Judge Maureen Sweeney for Mehki Venable, 20, who is accused of aggravated murder and murder for the Sept. 29, 2022, shooting death of Jacob Moore , 21, of Youngstown, in the single-digit block of New York Avenue.

Venable, who is free on bond, is claiming self-defense. Police and prosecutors say he shot Moore as the two were about to have a prearranged fistfight. They say Moore dropped his gun but Venable instead fired from a gun he had, killing Moore.

Venable testified Wednesday and was back on the stand Thursday as he was cross-examined by Assistant Prosecutor Patrick Fening. Jurors are expected to hear closing arguments Thursday and may begin deliberations.

Under cross-examination, Venable said he was afraid for his life when he shot Moore but he doesn’t know what happened to the gun he used. He said he did not have a concealed carry permit for the gun either.

Venable said the gun was given to him by his father and he usually kept it in his car.

He also testified under cross-examination that he had other encounters with Moore and people who were with him during the day where they had guns, but he said they never shot at him and let him walk away.

Under redirect examination from his attorney, John Juhasz, Venable said he did not call the police because he was afraid if he did so, Moore and the people with him would shoot up his house where his mother and girlfriend were staying.

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