State says money and revenge; defense says no direct evidence as Griffin trial opens

Morning: counts narrowed and the jury instructed

Before the jury came in, Judge Berhalter overruled State's Motion P 9:16 AM. Prosecutor Vavra said the state would take up State's Motion N when it calls that witness, which it expects to do on Monday, Nov. 2 9:17 AM.

The state moved to dismiss nine counts it called duplicative, and defense attorney Shamansky said the defense was in favor. Judge Berhalter granted the motion and said the trial would proceed on counts one, two, seven, eight and thirteen 9:19 AM. The judge then swore in the jury and gave preliminary instructions, including that opening statements are not evidence and that the defendant is presumed innocent.

Opening statements

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Vavra told the jury investigators found four places where a fire was started or attempted in the home 9:45 AM, and that autopsies showed both victims had been shot multiple times 9:47 AM. He said a "mystery phone" pinged towers near the Strussion home before heading west, that a DNA lab would confirm Griffin's DNA inside a motorcycle helmet 10:14 AM, and that a witness would say by recorded deposition that he overheard Griffin on the phone talk about killing two people 10:20 AM. Vavra said Griffin put about $106,000 into the business, was refused a buyout and was taken off its account, and called the case "money and revenge" 10:18 AM.

Defense attorney Samuel Shamansky told the jury the defense has no burden, and said the state's evidence points to a conspiracy that does not involve Griffin 10:24 AM. He said cell tower data would not prove Griffin was near the home 10:26 AM, that there was "zero forensic proof" 10:26 AM, and that there was "not one piece of direct evidence" tying Griffin to the murders 10:27 AM. The jury was then taken on a jury view; the judge told the jurors that what they saw outside the courtroom was not evidence.

Afternoon: the state's first witnesses

Eddie Cutrer, Angela Strussion's father, testified he met Griffin at the couple's home in March 2021 12:40 PM, and that after the killings Griffin told him in several conversations it looked like a mob hit 1:00 PM. On cross, he agreed that Tom Strussion openly carried large amounts of cash 1:07 PM.

Det. Sgt. Jordan Blumling of the Belmont County Sheriff's Office identified three 911 calls, which the state played 1:12 PM. He agreed that everything sent to BCI for testing came back with negative results 1:24 PM, and on cross agreed that physical evidence is of critical value in placing someone at a scene 1:28 PM.

Fire Capt. Jeremy Rife Jr. testified that his crew found both victims 1:43 PM and that two dogs and a cat died in the house 1:50 PM. Randy Stonebraker and John Phillips Jr., who were at a nearby garage, described trying to reach the people inside; Phillips testified he pulled a woman out to the porch 2:19 PM 2:28 PM.

Former deputy Chad Nixon testified he found a blue latex glove near the house while canvassing 2:46 PM. Capt. Douglas Cruse testified investigators got the Salsa Joe's surveillance passcode from Griffin and accessed the video 2:53 PM.