Friday night's arrest of 18-year-old Jamar Antonio "Mook" Houser of Youngstown came as a result of numerous calls and tips that came in all last week to police investigators.
Houser faces charges of aggravated murder and aggravated robbery in connection with the shooting death of 80-year-old Angeline Fimognari. Houser is accused of shooting Fimognari in the head early on the morning of Saturday, January 23, while she was in her car in the parking lot of St. Dominic's Church on the city's South Side.
Police found Fimognari slumped behind the wheel just after 9:30 a.m. They said she'd stayed to pray after that morning's Mass, and when she returned to her car, was shot during an apparent robbery.
According to YPD Captain Rod Foley, the calls and tips led police to the suspect's mother, who was able to reach her son by cell phone Friday evening. Police told Houser that they needed to question him in connection with Fimognari's murder. Houser complied and told police to pick him up at the corner of Philadelphia and Market Streets.
Before that, just after 7 p.m. Friday, Mahoning County Task Force officers and its SWAT team surrounded 2704 Volney Road near Mill Creek Park on the city's South Side. Houser was not present, but police also executed a search warrant at the home.
Since her death, officials have encouraged area residents to become involved in block watch groups, and members of the church said the incident would not discourage them from attending there. Fimognari's funeral was held Wednesday.
Crime Stoppers also offered a $10,000 reward for information in the case.
Police stress that Houser is a suspect; the investigation is still very active. He is scheduled to be arraigned Monday morning.
