WARREN, Ohio - On Wednesday, 17-year-old Gavin Roberts pleaded not guilty to aggravated, murder, aggravated robbery, and burglary in Trumbull County Court. He’s accused of killing 37-year-old Brice Hilton after a cellphone sale went wrong in November of 2022. 

The two men met in Warren for Roberts to sell Hilton the phone. At some point the sale went wrong and Hilton was shot multiple times, including in the head. Hilton’s girlfriend made the frantic call to 911 moments after he was shot. She can be heard on the call screaming and telling Hilton to “stay with me.”

Roberts is being tried as an adult.

“He’s not eligible for the death penalty but it's an aggravated murder count which carries the potential of life,” Trumbull County Assistant Prosecutor, Chris Becker said. “Under current law he will be eligible for parole in 25 years no matter what.”

When asked if Roberts has a history of violence - Becker declined to answer. 

“I don't want to get too much into the facts and anything like that,” he said. 

Roberts' bail was increased to $1,000,000. It was previously set at $750,000 which Roberts' lawyer said he wouldn’t be able to post. 

“This young man is 17-years-old. He is indigent. He is not employed and he is in no danger of making the bond,” Robert’s lawyer said to the judge. 

If bail is somehow met, in order to keep him from fleeing out of state, Roberts will be placed under house arrest. 

He’s expected back in court May 17. 

Ohio law dictates that Roberts still be held in juvenile jail.