Corrections officers testify in assault trial

Inmate faces 3 counts from jail incident

2/9/2011

While in custody in the Lucas County jail, Kijuan Hunley twice assaulted the on-duty corrections officers, in one case causing serious physical harm, a Lucas County assistant prosecutor said yesterday.

Two witnesses testified during the first day of trial for Hunley, 30, who is charged with one count of felonious assault and two counts of assault for allegedly punching corrections officers. The incidents allegedly occurred while Hunley was awaiting trial in other cases.

A jury of seven men and five women heard the testimony of one of the officers and a witness yesterday. The trial will continue today before Judge James Bates.

Hunley also was indicted in January, 2010, on one count of murder with a gun specification for the Sept. 17, 2009, shooting death of Victor Johnson, 34, whose body was found in a yard at 2413 Hollywood Ave.

Hunley was scheduled to go to trial on the murder charge but the case was postponed to Feb. 22 because witnesses were not available.

In his opening statements yesterday, defense attorney John Thebes asked jurors to consider what happened in the jail and what injuries were sustained if any.

Hunley could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted on the felonious assault charge and up to 18 months behind bars if convicted of assault.