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WARREN -- Security is being heightened in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court as the capital murder trial of Kashaun Williams is set to get underway.
The trial is scheduled to begin today with what could be a weeklong jury-selection process.
Williams, 30, faces charges of aggravated murder with capital offense specifications in the April 2 shooting death of James W. Chapman Jr.
It is estimated that some 130 people are being called as part of the jury pool, according to the Trumbull County Prosecutor's Office.
By week's end, it is hoped that 12 jurors will have been selected with opening arguments and testimony to begin Nov. 6.
Extra security measures will be enforced in and around the Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas in preparation for the trial, which will be held inside the courtroom of Judge Ronald Rice.
As jury selection and the trial are underway, court staffers will be required to wear identification badges; and upon entering the building, purses and bags will be inspected by security. Staffers will not be allowed to reenter or leave through the courthouse's south doors, which will be locked at all times.
THE CASE
According to court documents, Williams went to the 690 Lener Ave. SW residence of Chapman on the morning of April 2. Chapman's girlfriend, Martina Lee Moore, his mother and other occupants were in the home.
About 4:11 a.m., the court document states Williams shot and killed Chapman after he had answered the door. After entering the home, Williams is alleged to have kidnapped Moore at gunpoint, shooting her at least three times. Police arrived as Williams allegedly was attempting to stuff Moore into a vehicle. The defendant fled the area in the vehicle.
Moore, of Warren, was found with gunshot wounds, hospitalized and later recovered.
He is accused of dropping the firearm when leaving. The weapon was recovered by officers and found to have been reported stolen from Poland.
Williams has prior convictions for violent felony offenses that prohibit him from legally owning a firearm.
Due to some of his prior convictions, Williams also is considered a repeat violent offender.
As Williams was being arrested shortly after the incident, he also is accused of punched a female officer during the arrest.
Williams will be represented at trial by attorneys Anthony Meranto and Thomas Zena.
The prosecution team will be led by Assistant Prosecutors Christopher Becker and Gabriel Wildman.