Retrial begins for man linked to 2002 death of Austintown woman

YOUNGSTOWN — Jury selection began today for the retrial of Christopher Anderson in the June 2002 strangulation death of Amber Zurcher.

Anderson was convicted of the murder in November 2003 and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison, but the 7th District Court of Appeals overturned the conviction in September 2006 on the ground of “cumulative error” in the original trial.

The re-trial is before Judge James C. Evans of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court, who conducted the original jury trial and imposed the sentence five years ago.

Zucher, 22, was strangled in her Compass West, Austintown, apartment.

Anderson, 36, of South Main Street, Austintown, was one of several people who attended a party in Zurcher’s apartment. After everyone else left, Anderson returned and strangled Zurcher with a cord, prosecutors said.

Once jury selection is complete, the jury will tour the crime scene Tuesday before hearing opening statements from the prosecuting and defense lawyers.