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Man fatally shot over $90; mother, son arrested

By Valerie Lough

Staff Writer

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Springfield, Ohio — A dispute over the alleged theft of $90 resulted in the fatal shooting of a Springfield man, Thursday, Sept. 18.

The victim has been identified as Leonard G. Barnes, 48, of 1305 E. Main St., Springfield Police Division Chief Stephen Moody said.

Police arrested two people — a mother and son — in connection with the shooting Thursday, Sept. 18. Jonathan D. Seals, 23, of 315 S. Burnett Road, was arraigned in the Clark County Municipal Court Friday on a charge of aggravated murder and Joanne Seals, 49, of the same address, was arraigned on a charge of complicity to aggravated murder, Moody said.

Jonathan and Joanne Seals pleaded not guilty to the charges Friday.

Seals claimed Barnes had taken $90 from his mother, according to court records.

Jonathan Seals is accused of shooting Barnes multiple times near the corner of South Lowry and Jefferson streets about 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

Moody would not comment on the specifics of Joanne Seals' involvement in the shooting.

"We're confident that she played a role in this homicide," he said.

Investigators believe the shooting happened after Jonathan Seals confronted Barnes in a vacant parking lot near the 300 block of South Lowry Street. Jonathan Seals allegedly challenged Barnes to a fight, and when Barnes refused, Seals opened fire, Moody said.

Seals shot Barnes at least twice and after Barnes fell, Seals stood over him and shot several more times, according to court records. Jonathan and Joanne Seals then fled on foot and were taken into custody a short time later, Moody said.

Both Seals are in the Clark County Jail on $500,000 bond, each.

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