Warren man convicted in Niles shopping plaza stabbing

Kenyon Kellum faces sentencing after jury finds him guilty of felonious assault charges.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 52-year-old Warren man, Kenyon Kellum, is scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday morning for a November stabbing incident at a shopping plaza in Niles, Ohio. Kellum was found guilty by a jury of two counts of felonious assault, though he was acquitted of a more serious attempted murder charge. The charges stem from an altercation in the parking lot of the Gentry Center shopping plaza where a man was stabbed in the neck.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about violence and public safety in retail areas, as well as the challenges of self-defense claims in criminal cases involving physical altercations and serious injuries.

The details

According to witnesses, a group of people was arguing in the parking lot of the Gentry Center shopping plaza on November 5th before the situation turned violent. During the fight, a man was stabbed in the neck. Police arrested Kenyon Kellum shortly after the incident at a nearby hotel. Kellum's attorney had filed a notice claiming he acted in self-defense, but the jury ultimately found him guilty of two counts of felonious assault, while acquitting him of the more serious attempted murder charge.

  • The incident occurred on November 5th in the parking lot of the Gentry Center shopping plaza in Niles, Ohio.
  • Kenyon Kellum was arrested shortly after the incident at a nearby hotel.
  • Kellum's trial took place earlier this month, with the jury reaching its verdict on February 6th.
  • Kellum is scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday, February 17th, at 9 a.m.

The players

Kenyon Kellum

A 52-year-old man from Warren, Ohio, who was found guilty by a jury of two counts of felonious assault for a stabbing incident at a Niles shopping plaza.

Judge Sarah Thomas Kovoor

The judge who will preside over Kenyon Kellum's sentencing hearing on Tuesday, February 17th.

Zulekha Berry

Another person charged in connection with the case, whose case has been moved to a grand jury to determine if she will also face trial.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must hold individuals accountable for acts of violence in our community.”

— Judge Sarah Thomas Kovoor, Presiding Judge

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Kenyon Kellum's sentence during the hearing on Tuesday, February 17th.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing violence and public safety concerns in retail areas, as well as the complexities of self-defense claims in criminal cases involving physical altercations and serious injuries.