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LISBON -- The case against Christopher Mills, who's charged with complicity to aggravated murder, murder and obstruction of justice related to the shooting death of Rusty Steele, remains pending, with negotiations continuing.
Mills, 43, Washington Street, Washingtonville, appeared Tuesday during a brief status hearing before Columbiana County Common Pleas Court Judge Scott Washam.
Washam had discussions with defense attorney Chris Amato and county Chief Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Weikart, along with Assistant Prosecutor Alec Beech, before the hearing began.
On the record, Washam said it was his understanding that counsel for both sides were negotiating, but there was no resolution yet.
Another status hearing remains set for 10:30 a.m. Feb. 1, with a jury trial set for 8:30 a.m. Feb. 12.
Mills had already been indicted in April for the third-degree felony of obstruction of justice for allegedly being the driver in the March 3 fatal shooting in Lisbon, giving Michael Blower a ride to and from the murder scene and not reporting the incident to police.
The case against Blower, 32, Newgarden Avenue, Salem, remains pending before Judge Megan Bickerton for aggravated murder and murder, both with firearms specifications, for allegedly causing Steele's death by means of a gun.
The complicity indictment against Mills alleges that he aided and abetted Blower in the murder. Police alleged that the victim was lured out of his girlfriend's house on West Spruce Street by a stranger who claimed to be having car trouble and needed help. Steele was shot when he went outside to start his vehicle for a jump.
Mills remains in custody under a $1 million cash or surety bond.