Woman pleads not guilty in connection to Warren shooting death

WARREN

The circumstances surrounding the indictment last week of Regan Jelks, 21, of Warren and Detroit, became more clear this morning when her indictment was released. She’s charged in connection with the death of Taemarr Walker, 24, of Warren, Oct. 19.

Jelks, who was indicted Thursday on charges of involuntary manslaughter and improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle, was arraigned on the charges today. She entered a not guilty plea before Judge Peter Kontos of Trumbull County Common Pleas Court, who set bond at $250,000.

Chris Becker, an assistant Trumbull County prosecutor, told Judge Kontos Jelks was arrested in Detroit and he doesn’t know if Jelks “has ties to Trumbull County.” She does have ties to South Florida, Becker said.

Her indictment, which lists addresses on Woodbine Avenue Southeast in Warren and Niles-Cortland Road in Warren, says she “did knowingly transport or have a firearm in a motor vehicle in such a manner that the firearm is accessible to the operator or any passenger without leaving the vehicle.”

The involuntary manslaughter charge is a first-degree felony. The charge says she caused the death of Walker “as a proximate result of ... committing or attempting to commit” the felony of improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle.

If convicted on the involuntary manslaughter charge, she could get 10 years in prison.

Patrolman Mike Krafcik killed Walker with five gunshots during a confrontation on Risher Road early Oct. 19. Jelks was a passenger in the car.