Regan Jelks' manslaughter trial underway in Warren

WARREN — The involuntary manslaughter trial of Regan Jelks, 22, began this morning in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court, a case steeped in intrigue.

It’s not just of interest because Jelks was in the car when her male companion, Taemarr Walker, 24, of Warren, was killed by a Warren police officer Oct. 19, 2013, but also because of the unique circumstances under which Jelks was charged.

Jelks was charged with the involuntary manslaughter of Walker, even though Jelks was Walker’s friend and didn’t shoot him.

But prosecutors said she contributed to Walker’s death “as a proximate result of ... committing or attempting to commit” the felony of improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle.

Prosecutors had not previously not explained what Jelks had to do with the two weapons police recovered from the car.

But Chris Becker, assistant county prosecutor, discussed it today in opening statements, saying Jelks knew the weapons were in the car, knew Walker was driving without a license and knew there was an open container of alcohol in the vehicle.

James Gentile, one of Jelks’ attorneys, said Jelks didn’t cause Walker’s death. “What got Taemarr Walker killed was he would not follow the commands of the police officer,” Gentile said.

Jelks followed every one of the officer’s commands, putting her hands on the passenger window and saying, “Please don’t shoot me,” Gentile said.

If convicted, Jelks could get more than 10 years in prison.

For the complete story, read Wednesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com