BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – Public defense attorneys representing Andrew Isaac Griffin, suspect in the murders of Thomas and Angela Strussion in 2021, entered not guilty pleas on his behalf on all fourteen counts of his criminal indictment at his arraignment Monday afternoon.
Griffin appeared in person before Belmont County Common Pleas Court Judge Chris Berhalter, who read all fourteen counts of the indictment and spelled out possible sentencing for each if Griffin is found guilty.
Griffin was indicted on two counts of aggravated murder plus aggravated burglary and aggravated arson.
Berhalter told Griffin that he could face a range of sentences if he is found guilty including the death penalty, life imprisonment without parole and life with parole after 20 to 30 years depending on the charge.
The prosecution alleges that Griffin was armed during the alleged crimes and if he is found guilty on specific counts, he could be sentenced for an additional three years for each count.
Griffin could also face monetary fines for $20,000 to $25,000 on some counts of the indictment if he is found guilty.
Berhalter remanded Griffin back to the Belmont County Jail where he will be held without bond. Belmont County Prosecutor Kevin Flanagan asked for no bond for defendant Griffin. However, Berhalter set a bond hearing for Griffin for 9 a.m. on Friday, March 21.
Belmont County Sheriff James Zusack and his officers returned double murder suspect Griffin back to Ohio. from Hilo, Hawaii on Friday morning, March 14. Griffin had contested extradition.
Griffin was Thomas Strussion’s business partner in the former Salsa Joe’s restaurant located in the Elm Grove section of Wheeling, West Virginia. The bodies of the Strussions and their pets were discovered after a fire in their home in Belmont, Ohio on Sept. 21, 2021.
Stay with River News Network for updates on this developing case.
