Crime & Safety
Jury Selection Continues Tuesday in Erick Howard Trial
Attorneys will likely wrap up jury selection and opening statements before lunchtime Tuesday
Attorneys plugged through jury selection all day today and will continue first thing Tuesday morning in the trial of Erick M. Howard.
More than 70 potential jurors were called into Stark County Common Pleas Court, and the court dismissed 26 today. The rest will return at 8:30 Tuesday morning. Attorneys expect to deliver opening statements by lunchtime.
Howard, 20, of North Canton, is accused of Aug. 20. Police say he used duct tape to tie up a man and woman, raped the woman and robbed them both at gunpoint. Two others already have pleaded and been sentenced for their involvement.
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Howard and is charged with aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery, rape and kidnapping, all carrying a firearm specification.
He faces 31 years in prison, if convicted on all charges.
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Judge Taryn L. Heath presides over the trial, which is taking place in Lee Sinclair's courtroom.
OTHERS SENTENCED IN THE CRIME
Seth R. Obermiller, 19, , was in a state correctional institute. Obermiller helped tie up the couple and rob them and rape the female victim. He was found guilty of kidnapping, aggravated burglary and aggravated robbery, with all charges accompanied by gun specifications.
to three years of probation and turned himself in Sept. 28. Taylor drove the getaway car that night. He was found guilty of attempt to commit burglary, a third-degree felony.
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