MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Shane Hooper, 35, currently held on a one-million-dollar bond in the Marion Multi-County Corrections Facility, made an appearance in the Marion County Common Pleas Court for what was scheduled as a final pretrial ahead of his upcoming trial.
Hooper will be tried on several charges including four counts of first-degree felony kidnapping, 11 second-degree felonious assaults, one second-degree strangulation, and one third-degree felony of tampering with evidence. If found guilty, Hooper could potentially face a lengthy prison sentence amounting to hundreds of years.
His legal representation is being handled by Columbus attorney Joseph Edwards.
Marion Police Chief Jay McDonald expressed shock at the severity of the victim’s injuries, stating that she was rescued from a situation of extreme torture that could have resulted in her death without law enforcement intervention.
During the final pretrial, Deputy Prosecutor Charles Hall requested a continuance due to ongoing plea negotiations. Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan was scheduled to attend the final pretrial but was not present. “Mr. Grogan knew about this final pretrial, yet he is not here.” Edwards said.
Judge Warren Edwards emphasized the importance of ensuring both the victim and the defendant receive their fair day in court.
The case, according to Judge Edwards, dates back to June of 2023 and is over aged as defined by the Ohio Supreme Court.
The trial, with 16 serious felony counts against Hooper, was set to proceed as scheduled on April 23rd.
Following discussions with a representative of the victim, and both attorneys who supported a continuation, Judge Edwards granted a brief extension, setting the new final pretrial date for April 29th.
The trial, expected to span four days, is slated to commence on May 14 at 8:30 am.
Marion County Now will provide updates from the courtroom throughout the trial.