Trial for Washington robbery suspect begins
The trial for a Washington man accused of robbing Isaly’s convenience store, 2400 Jefferson Ave., Washington, began Tuesday and continues today.
Shayne Coffield, 24, of 247 W. Hallam Ave., is accused of robbing the store in the late evening of Jan. 21, 2013.
During the first day of testimony Tuesday before Washington County Judge John DiSalle, the jury heard from two store clerks who were working that evening. Both women said they were preparing to close when two people entered the store around 11 p.m. Both were wearing black clothing, and only their eyes were exposed. One person, who was identified as a male, jumped over the counter and demanded money. Both clerks said he had a steak knife in his hand.
The other person, who was carrying a bat, did not cross over the counter and did not speak. The man with the knife eventually located the lottery cash drawer and placed it on the counter.
The person carrying the bat then removed the cash and stuffed it into a bag. The pair then fled, and the clerks called 911. Neither woman was injured.
Coffield was later charged with robbery, terroristic threats, theft and simple assault.
The other person involved in the robbery was identified as Michael Stienstraw Jr., 28, of Claysville. Stienstraw is Coffield’s half brother. The charges against Stienstraw were dismissed after the prosecution failed to bring him to trial within a year in the Isaly’s case and another robbery he was accused of committing with Coffield, as required by state court Rule 600.
The prosecution is expected to present several more witnesses today.
Coffield’s attorney, Amanda Como, said she may have one witness. She said Coffield will not testify.
During her opening statement Tuesday, Como claimed that Coffield did not commit the robbery. Como said it’s possible that the jury could get the case today.
Prior to jury selection Monday, Coffield pleaded guilty to simple assault and institutional vandalism. Both cases stem from incidents at the Washington County jail, where he has been held since his arrest. Coffield was sentenced to 11 to 23 months in jail. He also faces an additional sentence for technical violations.
Coffield was on probation when he allegedly committed a string of burglaries in 2013, including one he Isaly’s. He is also accused of robbing a Four Star delivery driver. In June, he was acquitted of robbing the Uni-Mart on East Maiden Street in Washington.