WARREN, Ohio - The Farrell man who punched a defendant on trial for murder has been forbidden from continuing to be present for future court proceedings in the case.

Warren Municipal Court Judge Thomas Gysegem on Wednesday banned 32-year-old Destin Gregory from any hearings in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court, after Gregory pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and resisting arrest.  Another hearing for Gregory is scheduled in November.

Gregory is accused of interrupting the murder trial of 18-year-old Gavin Roberts on Tuesday after Gregory walked from the courtroom gallery, leaped over a banister, and punched Roberts. The incident occurred as the prosecution was questioning a witness.  

  TRUMBULL COUNTY SHERIFF

 

Judge Cindy Rice recessed the proceedings while Gregory was removed from the courtroom.

Assistant Prosecutor Gabriel Wildman believes that the alleged assailant is a relative of the victim in the case.

After speaking with jurors, Judge Rice ordered the trial to continue with security increased from three to five deputies.

The trial began Monday for Roberts, who is charged with murder, robbery, and burglary in the case involving the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Brice Hilton of Farrell on November 19.

Investigators say Roberts was seventeen years old when he allegedly lured Hilton to Colonial Street and South Feederle to sell a cell phone. Hilton was taken to a hospital where he died from his injuries.

Roberts is being tried as an adult in the trial.