Opening arguments under way in Donna Moonda trial

AKRON — The prosecution ended opening arguments at about 10 a.m. today in the trial of Donna Moonda, who is accused of murdering her husband.

The prosecution had begun opening arguments at about 9 a.m. in federal court here and the defense team is to begin opening arguments shortly.

Moonda, clad in brown pants and tan blazer, has colored her hair brown and cut it to a shorter length.

Prosecutor Nancy Kelley said Donna Moonda had become a suspect within the first week after the murder of her husband, Gulam Moonda, who was shot alongside the Ohio Turnpike near North Royalton in May 2005. Kelley also outlined the work of investigators and gave details of the shooting provided by Damian Bradford, who was Donna Moonda’s lover and the triggerman in the alleged murder-for-hire plot. He has admitted guilt in return for a reduced sentence.

Prosecutors have said they expect the trial to take about two more weeks. It began June 4 with jury selection. Donna Moonda could face the death penalty if convicted.