Columbus Jones, Jr. to go on trial, accused of murdering YSU stu - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Twenty-three-year-old Columbus Jones, Jr. could spend the rest of his life in prison if convicted of the aggravated murder of Youngstown State University student Jamail Johnson back on February 6th, 2011.

Jones is also facing a gun charge and 11 counts of assault for the 11 other people injured when police say Jones and others opened fire at an off-campus house party on Indiana Avenue. A total of six people are charged in connection with the crime.

Victim Jamail Johnson, a senior business student at YSU, was murdered just three months before he was set to graduate.

Since the tragedy, and to mark the one year anniversary of Johnson's death, more than 100 people, including family, friends and YSU students, marched to remember him and all those injured by the gunfire. The group marched silently and held signs saying "stop the violence."

We spoke with the victim's family earlier this year on the anniversary of the crime. His mother and step-father are devastated by the loss of a son who they say had so much to give.

Shirlene Hill, the victim's mother, told us back on February 6, 2012, "He was my baby, and he was trying to make a difference. He was in the community, going in and mentoring and tutoring, and trying to make a difference in other children's lives."

Columbus Jones, Jr. of Youngstown is the first of five men to go on trial in the case, the sixth man has taken a plea deal on a weapons charge.

Some of those injured in the shooting are expected to testify. Testimony that could likely include how murder victim Jamail Johnson was the peacemaker who died shielding others from the gunfire.