4-year delay in Realtor's murder case is maddening, say friends, family

YOUNGSTOWN

Friends and family of slain real-estate agent Vivian Martin say she was never shy about making her opinions known and would have no shortage of things to say about the nearly four-year delay in trying the two men accused of her murder.

“She would always want someone to be held accountable,” said her granddaughter, Latoyia Brown, last week as a group of friends and family gathered to remember the slain 67-year-old Martin and express their frustration that her accused killers have yet to stand trial — even though they were arrested and charged with the crime in 2010.

Martin, a cancer survivor and owner of Essence Realty, was found in a burning home in the 3600 block of Nelson Avenue on Sept. 20, 2010. Arrested a few days later were Robert Brooks, 29, and Grant Cooper, 25. They are charged with aggravated murder and aggravated robbery and could face the death penalty if convicted.

Police said the pair lured Martin to the home to rob her, then killed her and set the home on fire to cover up the crime.

They were both indicted Oct. 13, 2010, and the case was assigned to Judge James Evans of Mahoning County Common Pleas court, but the case has yet to come to trial.

Family and friends say the delay in justice is maddening. They say there is no good reason for it that they are aware of.

Read more about their feelings on the case and the woman they all miss in Sunday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.