PORTSMOUTH- The murder trial of a South Webster man accused of shooting to death his ex-girlfriend’s father has been postponed.

John Moore’s murder trial was scheduled to start Monday, Sept. 23, but has been continued at the request of the prosecution. The jury trial is now slated to start Dec. 16 and is scheduled to last two days, according to documents from court documents filed with the Scioto County Clerk of Courts.

The motion to reschedule was filed by the Scioto County Prosecutor, who cited a scheduling conflict with witnesses important to the case.

“Counsel notes that the lead investigator and necessary witness on the case will be out of town and therefore unavailable for trial. Counsel for the State submits that the trial cannot proceed without said witness,” reads to the motion to continue.

Moore’s complete list of charges includes: one count of aggravated murder, two counts of murder, one count of felonious assault, and one count of having weapons under disability. The aggravated murder and murder charges also have gun specifications attached.

The charges stem from an incident at Moore’s Lick Run Lyra home. According to a press release from the Scioto County Sheriff at the time, a female called the sheriff’s office requesting a deputy standby while she retrieved items from the home at 14191 Lick Run Lyra Road, South Webster.

“The caller advised that she wanted the deputy to standby because she and her ex-boyfriend were involved in a disturbance the night before in Jackson County, Ohio. At 1:59 p.m the 911 communication center received another call from the female stating that her ex-boyfriend had just shot her dad,” the release states.

At the time, Morris was transported by first responders to Southern Ohio Medical Center and Moore was charged with attempted murder. Mr. Morris later was transported to Grant Medical Center in Columbus, where he passed away. Morris’ charges were then upgraded.

Moore is being represented by local attorney Richard Nash. The case is being handled in the courtroom of Scioto County Common Pleas Judge Mark Kuhn.

Reach Lori McNelly at [email protected] or at (740) 353-3101 ext. 1928. © 2024 Portsmouth Daily Times, all rights reserved