Second trial in Kernich case begins

Jenna Staul

Jury selection began yesterday for the trial of Ronald Kelly, one of the defendants charged with the November murder of Kent State student Christopher Kernich.

Potential jurors underwent rounds of questioning by both Portage County Prosecutor Connie Lewandowski and Kelly’s defense attorney, Gregory Robey, to determine the amount of media coverage they have been exposed to since the attack on Kernich.

The final selection will be completed tomorrow, and jurors will be bussed to the scene of the attack in downtown Kent.

Last month, jurors found Adrian Barker, 21, guilty of murder and felonious murder. He awaits sentencing.

Kernich died Nov. 21, 2009, in Akron City Hospital from head injuries sustained in the assault that took place in downtown Kent six days earlier.

— Jenna Staul