East Liverpool man indicted on new charges for alleged 'love triangle' murder

Daniel Whitley

EAST LIVERPOOL  A Columbiana County grand jury has indicted an East Liverpool man on more serious charges in connection with a fatal shooting that authorities say stemmed from a “love triangle”.

Thirty-three-year-old Daniel Whitley was indicted Wednesday on one count of aggravated murder, one count of murder, and one count of tampering with evidence. Both murder charges include a firearm specification, which could add three years to a prison sentence if Whitley is convicted. 

Before the indictment, Whitley had faced a single count of murder filed in Municipal Court.

The charges stem from the May 15 shooting death of James Powell. Authorities allege Whitley fatally shot Powell and later tried to conceal or destroy evidence.

After responding to a report of shots fired near Montrose and Eutaw streets, police found Powell had been fatally shot.

Investigators said the shooting was believed to be related to a "love triangle" involving Whitley, Powell, and a woman with whom they both had a relationship.

Whitley was arrested after being found hiding under a nearby porch. He has been held on $1 million bond in the Columbiana County Jail since his arrest on May 16.

Whitley's arraignment in Common Pleas Court is scheduled for July 31 at 1 p.m.