Opening Statements Coming in Erick Howard Trial

Attorneys in the are finally getting around to their opening statements after a day and a half of jury selection.

More than 70 potential jurors were called into Stark County Common Pleas Court, and the court dismissed 26 Monday.

Attorneys targeted a few areas of concern today, including whether the jurors could be fair and impartial after knowing Howard is a well-known athlete. Defense Attorney Rufus Sims also asked if jurors could be fair if Howard would chose not to testify this week.

Chryssa Hartnett, assistant chief in the Stark County Criminal Division, asked potential jurors if they could be fair if they heard everyone involved in the incident (Howard, co-defendents and the victims) were .

They finalized the jury before breaking for lunch about 12:30 p.m. today. Opening statements will take place after the break.

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.

Howard, a two-time Mr. Football recipient and Hoover High grad,  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.

Judge Taryn L. Heath presides over the trial.

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.