By Jim Hannah
The Cincinnati Enquirer

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS - Covington barber Isaiah Young, shot nine times during a robbery, says the 10th bullet aimed at his heart was deflected by a large ankh pendant - an ancient Egyptian symbol of life.

"I think Jesus on high saved his life," said Young's mother, Gloria Young. "He watches over us every day. My prayers were answered."

Young, 26, was released from University Hospital Tuesday after receiving 42 staples in his torso. Surgeons who removed the bullets, including five from Young's chest, said no vital organs were damaged. "My mom says I'm blessed," Young said Thursday.

Young, who has custody of his three young children, said insurance and a state-administered fund for victims of violent crimes is covering his lost wages and medical expenses.

"My two girls were too young to understand what happened," Young said. "But my 8-year-old son was really worried about me. He is just happy his daddy is home now."

Police would not reveal where Young is staying because one of his alleged shooters was mistakenly released from University Hospital after Ohio officials didn't serve a warrant.

James D. Payne, 31, of Cincinnati was wanted for attempted murder and robbery when he walked out of the hospital where he was recovering from gunshot wounds to the arm and leg he received during the botched robbery.

Payne is described as a black man, 6-feet-4, 205 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Highland Heights police say they have figured out the motive and scenario for the May 2 robbery and triple shooting at Meadowview Apartments.

Police said Stephanie Hearn, 23, of Cincinnati was part of a three-person team that was targeting patrons at the Motions Night Life club on West Pete Rose Way.

Police said Hearn befriended Young in order to get him to take her to his apartment. Young, whose three children were being taken care of by his mother that night, instead took Hearn to his cousin's apartment.

He didn't know he was followed by two of Hearn's accomplices - Payne and Jerry Endsley, 29, also of Cincinnati.

Payne shot Young with a .38-caliber pistol five times in the abdomen and chest, police said.

Police said Endsley then began firing, not only hitting Young four more times, but also shooting Payne in the arms and legs, police said.

The three escaped with $300 and Young's 1998 gold Chevrolet Malibu, which is still missing.

Endsley was arrested by Cincinnati police Wednesday morning on felony charges of attempted murder and robbery and was being held in the Hamilton County jail pending extradition proceedings.

Hearn turned herself in to Highland Heights police Wednesday night. She is charged with complicity to robbery and is being held at the Campbell County jail in lieu of $100,000 bond.

Anyone with information on Payne's whereabouts should call police at (859) 441-8956.

Robert Anglen contributed to this story.

E-mail jhannah@enquirer.com