Trial begins in Shady Run Road murder

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The woman at the center of a murder case from last year was the first witness on the stand Monday in the trial against the man accused of killing her husband.

Diva Morgan testified after a jury was seated in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court before Judge R. Scott Krichbaum. She is the wife of Lenzie Morgan, 49, who died a few days after being shot in his home in the 2200 block of Shady Run Road on Sept. 30.

Paul Kerr, 48, is charged with Lenzie Morgan’s death. Police said Kerr was living with the Morgans at the time, and Morgan was killed after he and Kerr argued over Diva.

In the afternoon, defense attorney Ross Smith questioned Diva Morgan repeatedly on the statement she gave police. She agreed, when Ross pointed out she had a hard time remembering some of the things she said.

“It’s difficult when someone shoots your husband in front of you in the head,” Diva Morgan said.

At another point, Smith was warned by the judge after Diva Morgan answered another question with the phrase, “I can’t recall.”

“You have an uncanny ability not to recall,” Smith said.

Judge Krichbaum warned Smith about making such statements. He said it is up to jurors to judge her testimony.

“It’s an improper comment,” Judge Krichbaum said. “The jury will decide.”