Jurors seated in Kashaun Williams’ capital murder trial
Kashaun Williams accused in death
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WARREN -- After four days, 12 jurors and four alternates have been selected for Kashaun Williams' capital murder trial, which begins with opening arguments and testimony at 9 a.m. Monday.
Williams, 30, faces charges of aggravated murder with capital offense specifications in the April 2 shooting death of James W. Chapman Jr.
Williams will be represented by attorneys Anthony Meranto and Thomas Zena. Trumbull County Assistant Prosecutors Christopher Becker and Gabriel Wildman will head the prosecution team.
Court documents allege that 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., Williams was alleged to have shot and killed Chapman after he answered the door. After entering, Williams is reported to have kidnapped Moore at gunpoint and shooting her at least three times. Police arrived as Williams attempted to stuff Moore into a vehicle, the indictment states. Williams then fled in the vehicle.
Moore, of Warren, was found with gunshot wounds, hospitalized and later recovered.
Williams 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.
Because of 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 punching a woman police officer.
Moore is expected to testify Monday.
Extra security measures have been enforced in and around the Trumbull County Courthouse in preparation for the trial, which will be in the courtroom of Judge Ronald Rice.
As the trial is 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.