Appeals process started for Barker and Kelley

Suzi Starheim

Two men involved in the death of Christopher M. Kernich, 23-year-old Kent State student, have filed for appeal after being sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for murder.

Adrian A. Barker and Ronald G. Kelly were convicted this spring in connection to Kernich’s death, which resulted from head injuries sustained during a Nov. 15, 2009, altercation.

Barker filed for appeal on June 18 and Kelly filed on July 13.

Barker filed a brief on Nov. 10, and Kelly has filed for a second extension on his brief. The briefs set forth the errors Barker and Kelly feel were made by the trial. Barker’s brief states that the jury was improperly informed of the difference between murder and felony murder, not being able to differentiate between the two.

The 11th District Court of Appeals said they don’t anticipate the trial beginning any sooner than March or April.

Contact Suzi Starheim at [email protected].