Belmont County Common Pleas Judge Chris Berhalter is expected to schedule a new trial date for alleged double murderer Andrew Griffin during an afternoon hearing in St. Clairsville.
The trial was set to start on March 2, but Judge Berhalter granted the defense’s motion for a continuance on January 9. Belmont County Prosecutor Kevin Flanagan expressed his disappointment at the time.
“However, if more time is needed to prepare for their case, we understand the process and their responsibilities to their client,” he said. “As we were with the March trial date, we will be ready whenever the trial is reset.”
The 33-year-old Griffin is charged with murdering Thomas and Angela Strussion on September 21, 2021, inside their home in Belmont, Ohio. The husband and wife were discovered deceased after firefighters responded to a 911 call about smoke coming from an upstairs window. Griffin is also charged with aggravated arson and aggravated burglary.
According to Prosecutor Flanagan, the monthly pre-trial hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and 33-year-old defendant Andrew Griffin is expected to attend the proceedings. Griffin has been incarcerated in the Belmont County Jail since he was extradited from Hawaii in mid-March.
