ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio — New testimony in the Belmont County double murder trial of Andrew Griffin has brought attention to an alleged confession and cellphone evidence connected to the 2021 deaths of Thomas and Angela Strussion.
During testimony on Thursday, October 29, jurors heard from Arthur Cole, a longtime family friend who testified by video about a conversation he said he had with Griffin.
Cole told the court that Griffin allegedly admitted to killing two people while attempting to recover money.
According to Cole, Griffin told him, “I had to go get my money and I killed two people.”
Cole testified that Griffin did not provide further details about the alleged statement.
Jurors also heard testimony from an FBI analyst who presented cellphone evidence examined during the investigation.
According to the analyst, a cellphone purchased with cash in Marion, Illinois, later traveled to Belmont County, arriving at approximately 3:43 a.m. The analyst also testified that Griffin’s personal cellphone remained in Oklahoma during that time.
The testimony introduced additional details for jurors to consider as prosecutors continued presenting their case. However, the cellphone evidence described in court does not independently establish who was carrying the device.
The trial was scheduled to continue Friday, October 30, following Thursday’s testimony.
Griffin faces charges in connection with the deaths of Thomas and Angela Strussion. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
