Man’s trial over role in shooting death set

1/10/2012

A trial date was set Monday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court for the second of two men charged in the April 17 shooting death of a 71-year-old man in an alley behind Nebraska Avenue.

Thomas Johnson, 22, is charged with aggravated murder, murder, and aggravated robbery, all with gun specifications. Judge Stacy Cook set a Jan. 31 trial date. Kenneth Anderson, 29, who pleaded guilty to the shooting, is serving a 20-year sentence for his role.

Johnson is charged as a conspirator in the shooting death of Charles Harris, Jr., who was unloading his truck after a day of tending lawns when he was approached by two men attempting to rob him. Mr. Harris was fighting back when he was shot, authorities say.