Accident – Death – Obituary News : The second day of Niyajah Hales’ murder trial for the 2021 shooting death of Wheeling resident Michael J. Jackson saw prosecutors calling witnesses to the stand. The trial, overseen by Ohio County Circuit Judge Michael Olejasz, centers around Hales facing a charge of first-degree murder for the shooting that occurred outside the VooDoo Lounge on Wheeling Island.
Witnesses testified to the confrontation between Hales and Jackson before the shooting, shedding light on the events leading up to the tragic incident. Jackson, who was shot multiple times, succumbed to his injuries two months later at Ruby Memorial Hospital. Hales’ friend, Brian Steele, was also implicated in the incident and pleaded guilty to a charge of wanton endangerment with a firearm.
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Surveillance footage from inside and outside the bar, as well as from a nearby laundromat, was presented to jurors by the prosecution. The footage captured the initial confrontation between Hales, Jackson’s friend Clint Lekanudos, and the subsequent escalation that led to the shooting.
Lekanudos testified that he was at the VooDoo Lounge to see Jackson, his close friend, on the night of the incident. He recounted a tense exchange between himself, Hales, and Steele, noting Hales’ aggressive behaviour and suggesting that Hales was armed. Bar owner Erick Brothers also took the stand, recalling the events of that fateful night.
Another witness, Will “Willie” Norris, provided crucial testimony about the shooting, describing the altercation between Jackson, Hales, and Steele. Norris detailed how Hales pulled out a gun and fired shots at Jackson, leading to the fatal outcome. The prosecution argued that Hales did not act in self-defence and had clear intent to harm Jackson.
Defense attorney Kevin Neiswonger countered by asserting that Hales acted in self-defence or defence of others, presenting a different narrative to the jury. Judge Olejasz deliberated on the charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and voluntary manslaughter, indicating that the jury would have to consider all possibilities during their deliberations.
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The trial will resume today, with further testimonies expected to shed more light on the events surrounding the tragic shooting outside the VooDoo Lounge. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing case.
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Eyewitnesses questioned during Niyajah Hales murder trial in Wheeling
Eyewitnesses questioned during Niyajah Hales trial in Wheeling.
