YOUNGSTOWN Weather delays trial in baby's death

Prosecutors are slated to rest their case against John Drummond Jr. on Monday.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- The capital murder trial of a city man accused of killing a baby was put on ice for a day because of inclement weather.
John Drummond Jr. is on trial on multiple counts of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, felonious assault and illegally firing a gun into a home.
If the eight-man, four-woman jury convicts Drummond of the aggravated murder counts, another trial would be held to determine his punishment. He could be sentenced to death, life imprisonment without parole, or life in prison with parole eligibility after 30 years or 25 years.
Prosecutors contend Drummond, 26, fired 10 shots from an assault rifle into the Rutledge Drive home of Jiyen C. Dent Sr. and LaToya Butler in March 2003. One of the shots passed through the walls and struck the couple's 3-month-old son, Jiyen C. Dent Jr., in the head, killing him.
Final witness
A forensic pathologist from Franklin County was to have been the last witness called by prosecutors Friday before they wrapped up their part of the trial, which began Monday. Because of icy road conditions, however, the pathologist was unable to travel here from Columbus, court officials said.
The forensic pathologist was coming from Franklin County because Mahoning County did not have its own forensic pathologist at the time of the homicide, so bodies were sent there for autopsies. The county has since hired its own forensic pathologist, and autopsies are now done locally.
Judge Maureen A. Cronin decided to postpone testimony and resume the case Monday morning. Defense attorneys will complete their cross-examination of city Detective Sgt. Ron Rodway, then the forensic pathologist will testify.
Assistant Prosecutors Timothy Franken and Kelly Johns said they intend to rest their case after that.
Defense attorneys James Gentile and Ronald Yarwood have subpoenaed about six witnesses, whom they will begin calling once the state completes its case.
Gentile said they haven't decided whether Drummond will testify on his own behalf.
bjackson@vindy.com