City bar slaying case set to close

Attorneys making final arguments before jury deliberations

WARREN -- Closing arguments are scheduled to begin today in the aggravated murder trial of Warren man accused of shooting another man to death May 13 at a bar on Warren's northwest side.

Zaa Von Hameed, 26, faces the charge, which contains a firearm specification, in connection to the death of Nathaniel Bradley, 20.

After one day of testimony Wednesday in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court, the defense and prosecution rested their cases after presenting versions of the events about the shooting.

The trial included testimony from Warren police and forensic pathologist Dr. George Sterbenz of the Trumbull County Coroner's Office, who outlined the events leading up to and following the shooting at Park Place 24 Tavern. Casey Gore, Hameed's girlfriend and an owner of the tavern, also testified.

In opening arguments, county Assistant Prosecutor Kevin Trapp argued Hameed's actions were intentional and disproportionate.

"This case concerns the unjustified and purposeful killing of Nathaniel Bradley by the defendant, Mr. Hameed," Trapp said.

He described an escalating conflict inside the bar, during which Hameed allegedly fired two shots at Bradley. Trapp argued the initial shot, which struck Bradley in the leg, was followed by a second shot to his back while he was already down, calling it "a kill shot" and asserting that it showed "a malicious and cold-blooded murder."

Trapp said surveillance footage shows Hameed initiating the fatal encounter. He said Bradley, who was trying to protect his brother, posed no significant threat to Hameed after the first shot, and Hameed had time to reconsider his actions before firing the second shot.

Hameed's defense attorney, Aaron M. Meikle, argued Hameed acted in self-defense in a chaotic escalation. Meikle said Hameed was at the tavern to pick up his girlfriend after her shift when a verbal conflict turned physical.

According to Meikle, Hameed was confronted by several patrons, including Bradley and his brother, in a heated exchange that led to violence.

Meikle argued Hameed's intent was not to harm, but to protect himself and his girlfriend from what he perceived as an imminent threat.

Meikle said Hameed's response was not premeditated.

"The state must prove that Zaa Von acted with prior calculation and design, not just in the heat of the moment," Meikle said.

He urged jurors to consider the specific circumstances, arguing the state's evidence would not establish that Hameed acted with the intent to kill Bradley.

During cross-examination, Assistant Prosecutor Michael Burnett questioned Gore's account of the events, suggesting Hameed could have deescalated the situation by leaving or calling for help. Burnett also pointed to video evidence purportedly showing Hameed moving toward Bradley, implying Hameed had opportunities to disengage rather than escalate to deadly force.

Burnett argued Hameed was not in immediate danger and suggested that his actions were excessive.