Jurors report for trial in murdered family case

YOUNGSTOWN

Jurors will be reporting shortly in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court for orientation in the capital murder case of Robert Seman.

Seman, 46, of Green, could face the death penalty if convicted of the murders of Corinne Gump, 10, and her grandparents, William and Judith Schmidt, during an arson March 30, 2015, in their Powers Way home the day Seman was to go on trial for raping the girl. He was free on bond at the time.

More than 150 jurors are reporting to the courtroom of Judge Maureen Sweeney, who is trying the case. They will receive instructions on what they can expect and what they can and cannot do during the jury selection process, which is expected to continue Monday.

Judge Sweeney also ruled against several defense motions late Thursday, including motions to continue the trial and to exclude specific evidence from the rape case in the murder trial.