YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - A Mahoning County man convicted of murder has been denied parole.

James Jonda, 76, was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the murder of Steven 'Tipper' Fukon on June 11, 1989.

Fukon was dating Jonda's ex-girlfriend Donna Brown at the time of his murder. According to the release, Brown and Jonda had lived together in a common-law marriage from 1984 until 1989.

Brown moved in with Fukon after the breakup, causing Jonda to make threats to Fukon and others.

Multiple police reports from that time showed charges of criminal damaging were pending against Jonda stemming from windows he allegedly broke at Fukon's business. Fukon had also met with the Struthers City Prosecutor about allegations that Jonda shot at him in May, less than a month before his murder.

On the day of Fukon's murder, Jonda showed up at Brown's mother's house and had to be removed by police. Later that same day, Jonda chased Brown from Lowellville Road to his home in Youngstown.

According to the release, Fukon told Brown to stay inside the house with the door locked. A short time later she heard a gunshot and Fukon calling for help.

Fukon was found in the front yard and had been shot in the abdomen as he was getting out of his car.

Jonda was handed a sentence of 15 years to life for the murder, plus concurrent 8 to 15-year sentences for felonious assault.

His parole hearing was continued to June 1, 2025, when he'll be eligible again.