Court MinutesState of Ohio v. Andrew Isaac Griffin
Day 3 · Belmont County, OH · times in ET
Day 3Watch
The CaseAggravated murder and aggravated arson
Charged: Aggravated murder and aggravated arson.
What happened: Andrew Isaac Griffin is accused of killing his former business partner, Thomas Strussion, and Strussion's wife, Angela, at their home near Belmont in September 2021, and of setting the house on fire. He has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors dropped the death penalty on Oct. 26.
Where it stands: state's case.
Judge Chris Berhalter · State: Kevin Flanagan, Joseph Vavra · Defense: Samuel H. Shamansky
Updated Day 3
Day 3 ·Wed Oct 28
Pathologist says both Strussions were dead before the fire; jury hears Cole deposition
Video: Court TV · Published 7:14 PM ET
3:24 PM
In a video deposition, Arthur Cole testified that on a truck ride, Griffin said on a phone call, "I had to go get my money, and I killed two people."
Direct (state)
9:53 AM
Dr. Lee testified he found no soot in Thomas Strussion's airways or lungs, which he said meant he died before he could breathe in smoke from the fire.
Direct (state)
11:11 AM
Dr. Lee testified Angela Strussion was dead before the fire and smoke reached her, and gave multiple gunshot wounds to the head as the cause of death.
Direct (state)
11:31 AM
Warcholak testified he flagged a one-minute incoming call at 7:02 AM on Sept. 21 from a Tennessee number that appeared nowhere else in Cole's phone records.
Direct (state)
3:55 PM
Judge Berhalter overruled the renewed objection, saying the court had already ruled on a motion seeking the same thing and noting the objection.
Ruling
Earlier Days
Day 2 · Tue, Oct 27Fire investigator testifies three separate fires were set; banker describes AJS accountDay 1 · Mon, Oct 26State says money and revenge; defense says no direct evidence as Griffin trial opens
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