Conviction Overturned In Mall Parking Lot Death

A woman convicted of murder in Clark County could be getting a new trial. NewsCenter 7 learned on Monday that Renita Mannis’ conviction has been overturned by the Ohio Court of Appeals.

Mannis was convicted of murder last November. She is one of four women who were found guilty of running down a man in the parking lot of the Upper Valley Mall in Springfield.

The four were accused of stealing clothes from the mall and then hitting 49-year-old John Deselem when they tried to get away.

According to the Clark County prosecutor, the Court of Appeals overturned Mannis’ conviction in a 2-1 vote.

Prosecutor Stephen Shumaker said the decision alleges an error in jury selection during the trial. Schumaker said he plans to try to appeal the latest decision to the Ohio Supreme Court.

At this time, there is no word if the cases against the other three women will also be overturned.

Previous Stories: November 17, 2005: Women Sentenced In Mall Parking Lot Death November 4, 2005: Verdict Returned In The Case Of Four Woman Charged With Murder November 2, 2005: Jury In Mall Parking Lot Death Visits Scenes November 2, 2005: Jury Seated In Mall Parking Lot Death Case November 1, 2005: Jury Selection Begins In Mall Parking Lot Death Case June 29, 2005: Fourth Suspect In Mall Death Arraigned June 27, 2005: Tearful Courtroom Appearance During Arraignment June 21, 2005: Grand Jury Hands Down Indictments In Mall Death June 10, 2005: Suspects In Parking Lot Death Appear In Court June 9, 2005: Massive Manhunt Leads To Jailed Suspects June 9, 2005: Suspects In Parking Lot Death Charged With Murder June 9, 2005: Fourth Suspect Surrenders In Mall Parking Lot Death