Woman's trial set in death of boyfriend
A trial for a Cranberry Township woman charged in the 2018 death of her boyfriend is scheduled to begin Aug. 26 in Butler County court.
On Friday, Judge William Shaffer scheduled the trial for Jessica A. Royall, 28, who faces charges of homicide, homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence and other charges in the March 23 incident that left Ryan Minett, 27, of New Brighton dead.
“As this is a date certain, there will be no continuances,” Shaffer said.
Jury selection was scheduled to begin Aug. 18.
During a case status conference, defense attorney William Difenderfer told Shaffer that he was ready for trial. He said he had no motions to file at the time, but he hadn't received a copy of the autopsy report during discovery.
Assistant district attorney Laura Pitchford said she would give Difenderfer a copy of the report before he left the courthouse.
Township police allege the incident began with Royall and Minett arguing in her home.
She left to pick up her children, but Minett jumped on to the hood of her Buick Rendezvous, police said. He allegedly clung to the hood as Royall drove for about a half mile until he fell off and struck a light pole near the intersection of Cross Creek Drive and Little Pine Road.
Royall told police that she discovered money missing from her account and that a bottle of Vicodin also was missing. She said she confronted Minett about it and an argument ensued.
Police said Royall indicated she left the home to avoid more arguing, and went to pick up her children in Allegheny County. She said Minett jumped on the vehicle as she began to drive away.
Witnesses reported hearing Minett yell, “What are you doing?” and “You're going to kill me,” while also yelling for bystanders to call the police.
The witnesses said Royall was speeding and drove through three stop signs. Royall told police she attempted to stop at least four times to let Minett off, according to the criminal complaint.
Police said her driver's license was suspended at the time of the incident.
The other charges against Royall include homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault by vehicle, driving under the influence, recklessly endangering another person, and five summary traffic violations, including three for failing to stop at stop signs. She remains in custody in the county prison without bail.
