Suspect in killing removed from courtroom

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Dumas

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Testimony by prosecution witnesses will begin today at 9:30 a.m. in the murder and aggravated-robbery trial of Nathaniel Dumas. He’s charged in the April 2011 attempted robbery of Galaxy Seafood that resulted in a deadly police shooting.

On Thursday, Dumas, 35, of East Florida Avenue, watched his trial by Skype in the Mahoning County Courthouse basement under guard as jury selection was completed in the second-floor courtroom of Judge James C. Evans of common pleas court.

Judge Evans ordered the Skype arrangement because he said Dumas, who was upset about the composition of the jury panel, potentially was disruptive.

Skype is a service that allows users to communicate with others by voice, video, and instant messaging over the Internet.

Dumas, who faces a possible 28 years to life in prison if convicted, is accused of being the getaway driver in the attempted robbery, in which the alleged would-be armed robber, Warren V. Wright, 32, of Youngstown, was fatally shot by police Officer Mike Walker, who was working store security.

Dumas is charged with murder because he is alleged to have been Wright’s accomplice in the attempted robbery that resulted in Wright’s death.