WARREN, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio man sentenced to life in prison without parole for beating to death a 94-year-old neighbor with a flashlight when he was 15 wants an appeals court to vacate his conviction and sentence arguing he shouldn’t have been tried as an adult.
The Warren Tribune Chronicle reports an attorney for 20-year-old Jacob LaRosa argued Tuesday before 11th District Court of Appeals judges that the case was transferred from juvenile court despite evidence showing he was amenable to treatment.
LaRosa pleaded no contest to aggravated murder, attempted rape and other charges last year in Marie Belcastro’s 2015 slaying.
Attorney Lynn Maro argued doctors provided testimony about treatment and rehabilitation options for LaRosa that hadn’t been tried.
A Trumbull County assistant prosecutor argued LaRosa failed to respond to rehabilitation opportunities.