Grand Jury Declines to Indict Girlfriend of Man Convicted in Stabbing

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A Trumbull County grand jury has refused to indict Zulekha M. Berry, 46, of Warren, Ohio, on any charges related to the November 5th near-fatal stabbing of a man in front of a restaurant on U.S. Route 422 in Niles. Berry was previously described in testimony as being with Kenyon D. Kellum, 52, at the time of the stabbing and handing Kellum the knife he used. Kellum was found guilty of felonious assault, but not attempted murder, and sentenced to 8-12 years in prison.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities of determining criminal culpability when multiple individuals are involved in a violent incident. The grand jury's decision not to indict Berry raises questions about the strength of the evidence against her and the legal standards for accomplice liability in violent crimes.

The details

Charges of attempted murder and complicity were initially brought against Berry, but the grand jury ultimately declined to indict her. Testimony in Kellum's trial described Berry as being present and handing Kellum the knife he used to stab the 37-year-old victim, who suffered serious injuries and brain damage. However, the jury found Kellum guilty only of felonious assault, not attempted murder.

• The stabbing incident occurred on November 5th.
• Kellum was sentenced on March 10th to 8-12 years in prison.
• The grand jury made its decision not to indict Berry on Wednesday.

What’s next

The judge in Kellum's case will determine if he will be eligible for parole after serving 8 years of his 8-12 year sentence.