Opening statements Wednesday in Mahoning County rape trial

October 30, 2007 at 5:48p.m.

YOUNGSTOWN — Opening statements will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in the trial of a homeless man charged with repeatedly raping a homeless 44-year-old woman after luring her to a North Side apartment complex,

He also allegedly beat her with a metal rod and restrained her liberty on March 24, 2006.

Edward Washington, 46, is on trial before Judge Maureen A. Sweeney of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court on rape, felonious assault and kidnapping charges.

The case is being prosecuted by Natasha K. Frenchko, assistant county prosecutor. John Jeffrey Limbian is the defense lawyer.