HomeLocalPonca PostFirst Degree Murder Trial Starts in Kay CountyFirst Degree Murder Trial Starts in Kay CountyThu, October 19, 2017 by Lyman JamesSHARE NOW With Judge David Bandy asking those attending the trial of Mitchell Jay Griffith not to interact with jurors during trial breaks and to allow jurors to exit the courtroom first, the trial of the 60 year old man, who is charged with murder in the first degree, carrying a fire arm while under the influence of alcohol and a misdemeanor charge of public intoxication began.Kay County District Attorney Brian Hermanson and defense attorneys Grace Yates and Rick Johnson gave opening statements yesterday.Hermanson summarized the details of the case and asked the jurors to listen closely and take notes.Johnson told jurors to remember Hermanson’s version of the story.He told the jurors after they hear and see the evidence they will come to the conclusion that Griffith shot Kendrick in self defense.Griffith is accused of shooting 35-year-old Vinson Alan Kendrick to death on Sept. 18, 2014. Kendrick was found shot at a residence on South Second Street in Ponca City.
