Masury man's murder trial begins

Prosecutors say John Zanolli killed his sister Janice, while defense claims it was not premeditated

Mar. 24, 2026 at 4:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The murder trial of John Zanolli, 52, has begun in Trumbull County, Ohio. Prosecutors allege that Zanolli shot and killed his sister Janice, 65, in their shared home in February 2025. The defense argues that the killing was not premeditated, but rather a sudden reaction to Janice's plan to evict John from the house they had shared for 10 years.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex family dynamics and economic pressures that can sometimes lead to tragic violence. It also raises questions about mental health, homelessness, and the role of the criminal justice system in addressing such cases.

The details

According to prosecutors, John Zanolli confessed to killing his sister Janice by shooting her twice in her bedroom. The defense argues that Janice had planned to evict John from the house they shared, which led him to react suddenly and violently. Prosecutors say there is no evidence of a 'murder-suicide pact' as John had claimed, and that he went about his daily life for several days after the killing before the body was discovered.

  • On February 26, 2025, John Zanolli allegedly killed his sister Janice in their shared home.
  • On March 1, 2025, Janice's body was discovered by her other brother Jeff and his girlfriend Linda Dattillo, who then alerted the police.
  • On March 1, 2025, police arrived at the home and found John Zanolli, who they tased and arrested.

The players

John Zanolli

A 52-year-old man accused of killing his sister Janice in their shared home in Masury, Ohio.

Janice Zanolli

John Zanolli's 65-year-old sister, who was allegedly killed by John in their shared home.

Chris Becker

The Trumbull County Assistant Prosecutor handling the case against John Zanolli.

Sharay Lewis

The Assistant Ohio Public Defender representing John Zanolli.

Jeff Zanolli

John and Janice's younger brother, who discovered Janice's body along with his girlfriend Linda Dattillo.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“What really put things over the edge is that with her being the executrix and her saying she was formally evicting him. She told him 'Don't be surprised if the sheriffs come knocking at the door and you're going to be out of here.' That is essentially what caused John to have a reaction.”

— Sharay Lewis, Assistant Ohio Public Defender

“He does this at some time on Feb. 26 or 25, and he shuts her door, and as the state already pointed out, he stays in the house. He essentially doesn't know what to do. He killed his sister and he didn't have anywhere to go.”

— Sharay Lewis, Assistant Ohio Public Defender

“It is the same rifle that was used, according to (John Zanolli) to kill his sister, Janice Zanolli.”

— Chris Becker, Trumbull County Assistant Prosecutor

What’s next

The trial is expected to continue this week, with the judge set to decide on Tuesday whether to allow John Zanolli out on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for better support systems and interventions to address family conflicts, mental health issues, and economic pressures that can sometimes lead to violence. It also raises questions about the criminal justice system's approach to such complex situations.