The trial of a suspect charged in the killing of a Youngstown teen has been rescheduled after a mistrial was declared earlier this week.

A new trial date has been set for March 2, 2026.

On Tuesday, Feburary 24, 2026, 19-year-old Danyo Sellers and co-defendant Saun Peterson took the stand to testify during the second day of testimony.

Both defendants are accused in connection with a deadly drive-by shooting that claimed the life of 15-year-old Amya Monserrat at a sweet 16 birthday party in April of 2023. Peterson was said to be the driver of the vehicle involved in the murder.

During his testimony, Peterson said no one else was in the car with him on the night of the murder. When the prosecution pressed him further on that statement, he said he pleaded the Fifth, which is his right to stop answering questions to avoid incriminating himself. 

Judge Anthony D'Apolito said this development was unexpected and could lead to legal ramifications. After an extended break, the trial was declared a mistrial. 

Peterson already pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter related to this incident. His sentence did hinge on his testimony in this trial. 

Prosecutors say Sellers set off a chain of events when he shot into a crowd leaving a party. They allege his actions started a shootout where Monserrat was an innocent bystander killed in the crossfire.

Sellers' defense attorneys noted no gun was ever recovered to prove he had one that night. They also claim everyone in the car was acting in self-defense after they were ambushed by a gunman in the parking lot.  

Prosecutors are looking to retry Sellers case. That could come as soon as next week. It's unclear if Peterson will testify. Prosecutor Lynn Maro told 21 News the state didn’t object to the mistrial because they believe in a fair trial. 

The jury had already heard testimony from Monserrat’s mother and two law enforcement officials. They will likely have to take the stand again.

Sellers is facing charges of murder, felonious assault, involuntary manslaughter, improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle and obstructing justice.  

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