Convictions, sentences upheld for two repeat violent offenders in Trumbull County
The Ohio 11th District Court of Appeals has upheld the convictions and prison sentences of two repeat violent offenders in Trumbull County.
The court ruled against offenders 30-year-old Kemari James and 40-year-old Michael Rivers respectively.
James (pictured below) is serving a 38-year-to-life sentence in the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility for the murder of La'Nesha Workman in her Warren home in April of 2020 and the attempted murder of Andre Haynes.
Police say James meant to shoot Haynes, but shot and killed Workman, who was pregnant at the time instead.
James' conviction for murder, attempted murder, having weapons while under disability and escape were all upheld after three appellate judges ruled that three alleged errors during trial were without merit.
Meanwhile, Rivers' sentence of 14 to 18 years in prison was upheld after the appellate court unanimously ruled that four alleged court errors at the trial were without merit.
Rivers (pictured below) was found guilty in December of 2022 on one count of aggravated burglary with two firearm specifications and two counts of having weapons while under disability.
The charges stem from a break in at a home in Champion Township in March of 2020 where Rivers was found with a firearm. Due to his past convictions including drug trafficking and possessing criminal tools, he was not allowed to possess any firearms.
