Clues sought in triple fatal fire

YOUNGSTOWN — The grandparents of a 10-year-old girl told friends they were nervous about a case the girl was to testify in as a rape victim.

But that testimony never happened.

William and Judith Schmidt and their granddaughter, Corinne Gump, died in an early this morning fire that postponed the trial and caused the defendant to be jailed without bond.

The girl, along with her grandparents, identified by friends and relatives at the scene, were killed after flames broke out in their 3631 Powers Way home about 3:30 a.m. Monday.

“We were supposed to go out to eat Friday but they said, ‘too much stress,’” wrote Richard Bloom, who is deaf, as were the Schmidts.

Robert Seman, 45, of West Calla Road in Green Township, was to go on trial today in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court on four counts of rape pertaining to the granddaughter. The counts carry maximum sentences of life in prison. He is also facing four counts of gross sexual imposition.

Bond was revoked after a hearing where prosecutors told the judge a woman told city police that over the weekend Seman offered her $10,000 if she told prosecutors the girl lied.

Fire Chief John O’Neill said 30 firefighters and nearly all the city’s firetrucks were on the scene of the blaze.

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