ITHACA, N.Y. — Opening statements will begin Monday for a Newfield homicide trial after a jury was selected Friday afternoon.
Twelve people and three alternates will hear the case against Roy Clements Jr. who is charged with second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and fourth-degree conspiracy.
Clements is accused of murdering 30-year-old Camden Rundell who was killed during a botched robbery in December. Clements and four other people allegedly conspired to steal marijuana plants from Rundell’s basement, where he grew the drug.
During the robbery, police say Clements restrained Rundell in the yard, where he died about 100-feet from his door.
In total, five people were arrested and charged in connection with the crime: Jamie Gerhart, Colleen McColgin, Dennis Lampila, and Clements, were all charged with second-degree murder and first-degree robbery in the days following the homicide. Melissa Minnick was charged with fourth-degree conspiracy in connection to the crime and pleaded guilty in August.
The trial is expected to last until the first week of November. It’s being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Andrew Bonavia and Assistant District Attorney Diane Lama.
Defense attorneys Lance Salisbury and Jerome Mayersak are representing Clements.
Featured photo: Police investigate the scene of a Newfield homicide in December. Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/ The Ithaca Voice