The Ohio Attorney General's office is contesting Brandon Crump's appeal of his conviction in the 2020 home invasion that resulted in the death of four-year-old Rowan Sweeney.

In a brief filed Wednesday with the Seventh District Court of Appeals, the Attorney General's office disputes Crump's claim that trial errors led to his conviction on multiple charges, including aggravated murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy.

Crump was found guilty of 13 offenses stemming from the September 21, 2020, incident at a home on Perry Street in Struthers. Trial evidence showed that a gunman entered the residence and opened fire, killing Rowan Sweeney and injuring several others.

Crump's defense challenges the admissibility of graphic photographs presented at trial, the sufficiency of the conspiracy charge, and the evidence supporting his alleged involvement in the conspiracy.

The appeal argues that the trial court erred by admitting over 100 "gruesome and repetitive" photographs, claiming they were prejudicial and unnecessary, especially since the cause of death was stipulated. In response, the state argues that the pictures were crucial for corroborating witness testimony and illustrating the crime scene.

Crump's defense also argues that the indictment was legally insufficient because it did not allege a "substantial overt act" as required by Ohio law. They further claim that the state failed to present sufficient evidence of Crump's involvement in the conspiracy, asserting there was no direct evidence of an agreement or overt act on his part.

 

 

Brandon Crump
Brandon Crump  

 

However, the state's brief detailed evidence presented during the trial. Witness testimony placed Crump at the scene, and cell phone data showed him and co-defendant Kimonie Bryant traveling together before the crime. One witness identified Crump as the shooter, and DNA evidence linked him to shell casings found at a prior location. Additionally, video evidence from Crump's phone showed him with a firearm like the one used in the shooting, as well as with money and clothing matching witness descriptions shortly after the crime.

The state’s brief also highlighted testimony indicating that a co-defendant, Andre McCoy, planned the robbery with Kimonie Bryant, and that when a text message was sent to initiate the robbery, Brandon Crump entered the home.

Crump was sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 33 years.

The Attorney General asks that the Seventh District Court of Appeals hold a hearing on the case.