YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — In Mahoning County Common Pleas Court today, jury selection began for the sixth attempt to secure a conviction against a 54-year-old Alliance man, Robert Moore, who is charged with the murder of 17-year-old Glenna Jean White on June 2, 2009. Despite numerous efforts, White’s body has never been recovered, leaving critical gaps in the prosecution’s case against Moore.
The previous trial, held in 2022, concluded with a deadlocked jury, propelling prosecutors to initiate yet another retrial. Previously, the proceedings were abruptly adjourned in April when an illness within the family of Moore’s attorney, Lou DeFabio, arose shortly after opening statements. Prior attempts to empanel a jury since August faced significant challenges, including evidential issues and inappropriate conduct by a juror.
In the early summer of 2009, White was allegedly last seen at a gathering in Alliance, where she and Moore, along with others, were drinking. According to prosecutors, a dispute arose after White accused Moore of attempting to assault her, leading Moore to forcefully take her home. Witnesses later saw Moore returning to the scene, his appearance disheveled with mud and blood. One account suggests Moore was assaulted by three men after White suddenly exited his vehicle.
Adding to the complexity of Moore’s legal battles is his past criminal record; he previously served a 15-year sentence for a manslaughter conviction related to a 1993 incident at Berlin Lake in Stark County. Attempts by Moore’s defense to prevent mentioning his prior conviction during trials were consistently denied by Judge Sweeney, who deemed it admissible.
The case has seen fluctuating testimonies with some witnesses in the initial trial asserting that they saw White alive post the time prosecutors allege she was murdered. This inconsistent testimonial has introduced further complications in the legal proceedings, casting doubts and challenging the prosecution’s narrative.
As the community watches closely, this case not only revisits a painful chapter but also underscores the challenges and complexities intertwined in unsolved cases where the victim remains unaccounted for. The outcome of this trial could potentially bring long-overdue closure to all parties involved or prompt yet another round of painful uncertainties. The repeated trials reflect the delicate balance of justice, where the scales swing heavily on witness testimony and accrued evidence in the absence of the victim’s recovery.