McDonald murder trial set to resume today

12/11/2007

A jury was selected yesterday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court to decide the murder and conspiracy trial of Charles McDonald.

McDonald, 34, of 1311 Fernwood Ave., is charged with the Sept. 25 shooting death of Ericka Graham, 27, a mother of two who was found in her apartment at the Brand Whitlock Homes with a single gunshot wound to her head.

His first trial ended June 13 when a mistrial was declared because hair found at the crime scene was not tested for DNA.

Before jury selection began yesterday, McDonald declined a plea deal that would have meant a maximum of 15 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter with a firearms specification and conspiracy to commit murder.

The case will resume today with opening statements and witness testimony.