Tooson still on track for summer trial in double murder case
Apr. 5—CATLETTSBURG — The trial for a double homicide suspect facing the death penalty is still moving forward.
John F. Tooson V of Rossford, Ohio, is charged with two counts of capital murder. He is accused of killing two Boyd County sisters, Selina Easter, 20, and Summer Algarakhuly, 18, inside an apartment building on Montgomery Avenue on June 17, 2022, according to police.
During Thursday's brief comments, a pretrial date was set for May 16, ahead of a scheduled trial date this summer.
Tooson and his legal team appeared in the Boyd County Circuit Court Tuesday morning where a change in his secondary counsel was made. State regulations require a suspect facing the death penalty to have a second defense team. Tooson is represented by Sebastian Joy as well as the Department of Public Advocacy.
Originally, Tooson was represented by DPA's Whitney Davis. Gregory Griffith will replace Davis as counsel. Davis is no longer with the DPA.
Joy told Boyd County Circuit Judge John Vincent the defense is ready for trial after setbacks in the case.
"We are on track and will be ready to go," Joy said.
The trial is set to start nearly two years after he was accused of gunning down the two women.
(606) 326-2657 — ajohnson@dailyindependent.com
