Attempted murder case ends in mistrial

By Rich Cholodofsky

A Westmoreland County judge on Thursday cut short the attempted murder and conspiracy trial of two Monessen men, saying damaging evidence against the defense was turned over too late by prosecutors.

Common Pleas Court Judge Christopher Feliciani said the mistrial in the combined case against Joseph “JoJo” Heath III and Rashawn Ford was necessary because defense attorneys did not have enough time to properly prepare to question the alleged victim, who claimed he was shot by Heath on June 25, 2017.

Prosecutors did not intentionally withhold information, Feliciani said.

“… But the new information significantly impeded the defense’s ability to formulate a cross examination of the witness and another witness who previously testified,” the judge said.

District Attorney John Peck said prosecutors and police met last week with Timothy “Boo” Kershaw, who was shot as he attempted to run away from his assailants on Summit Avenue. Kershaw provided new information that further implicated Heath and Ford, according to Peck.

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