Woman injured in fatal Mesoptamia attack decries placement of her children

Staff report

WARREN

Douglas S. Day, 23, of Mesopotamia was in court Friday for arraignment on charges of aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder, accused of killing his girlfriend’s mother and injuring his girlfriend at the couple’s Mesopotamia home April 25.

He pleaded not guilty in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court, and Judge W. Wyatt McKay continued his $1 million bond.

Police say Day killed Cathryn Lambert, 48, of Stow, with a gunshot to the neck, when she went to the home to pick up her daughter, Tiffany Lambert, 26, after the couple had an argument.

Meanwhile, Tiffany Lambert is out of the hospital and attended Day’s hearing Friday.

Lambert told The Vindicator’s broadcast partner, 21 WFMJ-TV, that Trumbull County Family Court awarded emergency temporary custody of her two children to Day’s mother, Shawn Trembly of Roaming Shores, while Lambert was in the hospital.

She said she can’t get them back until at least May 24, when a hearing is set in family court.

“This is unfair and unjust the way this is happening to me,” Lambert said. “This is absolutely heartbreaking to me, and [Trembly] is a monster for trying to keep these children away from me because she knows what a good mom I am.”

Trumbull County Children’s Services could not talk specifically about this case but says a grandparent cannot be punished for the sins of a father.

“The court wants to make a decision in the best interest of the children always,” said Tim Schaffner, CSB executive director. The mistake of a parent, no matter how serious, doesn’t necessarily reflect on the safety and the fitness of grandparents, Schaffner said.

When reached by phone, Trembly told WFMJ she is making arrangements for the children to see their mother, but refused to provide any details.