Trial for drive-by shooting suspect moved to April
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Jan. 10, 2024) – The alleged gunman in last year’s drive-by shooting on East High Avenue was supposed to go on trial next week but that’s no longer happening.
19-year-old Gavin Kurtz will now be tried beginning April 2nd for attempted murder, felonious assault, and gun charges. Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Court Judge Michael Ernest rescheduled the proceedings today at the request of Kurtz’s attorney, who asked for a continuance so he would have ample time to review the evidence and discuss it with his client..
In Ohio, defendants in felony criminal cases must be tried within 270 days but every day spent behind bars counts as three. That’s unless they waive their right to a speedy trial, which Kurtz did earlier in the hearing.
One of the victims reported the October 23rd shooting as he and two others were standing on the front porch of a home. All made it through unharmed.
Kurtz has six co-defendants including 19-year-old Riley Adams, who prosecutors say provided the gun and was behind the wheel. His trial is scheduled to begin on March 26th.