Court disrupted after defendant is punched during murder trial in Trumbull County

The murder trial of 18-year-old Gavin Roberts was interrupted briefly Tuesday morning as the defendant was attacked by a spectator.

The spectator jumped over a courtroom bar in Trumbull County Common Pleas courtroom of Judge Cynthia Rice and punched Roberts in the face.

The defendant was not seriously injured.

Motion for mistrial

A motion for a mistrial was made by Roberts’ attorney Jeff Goodman.

After speaking with each juror, the judge proceeded with the trial.

However, one juror opted not to proceed and was replaced by an alternate.

Trial continues against Gavin Roberts, 18

Roberts, of Kenilworth Avenue SE, Warren, is charged with two counts of aggravated murder, aggravated robbery and aggravated burglary from almost a full year ago.

The charges stem from his alleged connection to the Nov. 19, 2022 shooting death of 37-year-old Brice Hilton.

Hilton lived in Farrell, Pa., and was found shot multiple times near Colonial Street and S. Feederle Drive.

Early testimony indicated Hilton was shot while attempting to buy a cellular phone for about $200 from two men.

All of the felony charges include specifications that a firearm was used in the commission of the crime.

The trial should continue through the week with the jury expected to begin deliberations by Friday.

Roberts faces anywhere from 23 years to life in prison to life without parole if he’s found guilty on all charges.

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