Double murder nears death penalty trial
CATLETTSBURG Nearly two years after two sisters were gunned down on Montgomery Avenue, attorneys said on Thursday they don’t anticipate any reasons to delay an Ohio man’s jury trial.
John F. Tooson V of Rossford, Ohio, was implicated in the death of sisters Selina Easter, 20, and Summer Algarakhuly, 18 in the summer of 2022.
Tooson could face the death penalty if convicted on two counts of capital murder, in addition to his charges of automobile theft, first-degree wanton endangerment and possessing a handgun as a convicted felon.
On Thursday in Boyd County Circuit Court, Tooson’s primary defense attorney, Sebastian Joy, reported the case was “on track.”
Since Tooson’s alleged crimes are eligible for a death sentence, he is legally entitled to an additional defense team, and he was previously appointed secondary representation by the Department of Public Advocacy.
Joy said Gregory Griffith, with the public defender’s office, regularly schedules calls with everyone “monthly” and anticipates pre-trial motions will be filed shortly.
On the prosecution’s side, Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Kierston Rosen also said there were no issues on their end at this time.
Previous reports suggested Tooson’s trial will begin this summer, however with Circuit Judge John Vincent scheduling another pre-trial conference on Aug. 1, a specific date is unclear as to when the case will be presented to the jury.
