Kenwood shooting case ends in hung jury

After two days of deliberations, a Hamilton County jury Friday could not reach a unanimous decision on whether a Texas man shot and killed another man in a Kenwood home over a drug debt two years ago.

The trial of Edward O'Connor in the November 2002 execution-style killing of Roberto Valedez ended in mistrial Friday.

One juror refused to convict O'Connor, said Hamilton County Prosecutor Mike Allen, who added that he will retry the case.

O'Connor, 47, of San Antonio, will be jailed in Hamilton County until the new trial, set for Jan. 28.

Health inspector facing sex charge

WALNUT HILLS - A Cincinnati health inspector was arrested Friday, accused of having sexual contact with a woman at a home he inspected.

James E. Hightower, 56, of Wyoming, was charged with sexual imposition, a misdemeanor. He was released from jail Friday after his bond was posted.

Court records accuse Hightower of having sexual contact with a woman knowing the contact was offensive to her. Records indicate the allegation was based on statements made by the woman and Hightower.

It was unclear Friday whether Hightower was on duty at the time of the incident.

"We don't usually have people doing inspections or follow ups to inspections on Sunday,'' Handy said. The incident involving the 21-year-old woman allegedly happened Jan. 11.

Hightower had done previous inspections at the property, but apparently had closed the file a month ago, Handy said.

Hightower, who works in the environmental health section, has been placed on administrative leave with pay.

Pair arrested in man's shooting death

SPRINGFIELD TWP. - A man and woman are facing charges in a December killing of a 20-year-old Springfield Township man.

Djuan Lemont Bell, 20, is charged with aggravated murder, and Jolice V. Turner, 19, with obstructing justice, in the death of Laurice Welch on Dec.12. The two were arrested Thursday night in Winton Terrace, police said.

Welch was found shot to death on Neptune Drive. He was shot once in the back of the head.

Investigators did not discuss a motive in the case.

Fire claims home, displaces family of 4

FAIRFIELD - Firefighters worked eight hours to extinguish an intense blaze that consumed a home and displaced a family of four early Friday.

Just after midnight, firefighters were called to 5658 Lindenwood Lane, where tenant Ed Snyder reported hearing an explosion in the basement and seeing flames near the house's heating oil tanks, said Fire Chief Don Bennett. Snyder suffered minor injuries, but his wife and two children escaped unharmed. The American Red Cross is providing emergency housing, Bennett said.