Defense: Substance abuse to blame
Karissa Marie Kunco
Jordan Clemons, 26, enters Washington County Courthouse for the start of his trial in the death of Karissa Kunco. The prosecution is seeking the death penalty for Clemons.
For much of the day Monday, the 16-member jury and spectators at Jordan Clemons’ murder trial learned about Karissa Kunco, a Dec. 18, 2011, assault that lead to a protection-from-abuse order and the discovery of her body Jan. 12, 2012, in a wooded area off Sabo Road, Mt. Pleasant Township.
The first time Kunco’s picture was shown in court elicited gasps, as members of the jury appeared shocked and her family and friends began to cry. The photograph was used as evidence by the defense to help depict the volatile relationship between the former couple. It was taken at St. Clair Hospital in Mt. Lebanon, following a beating by Clemons. Kunco’s eyes were purple and swollen; her face was misshapen by bruises.
Monday’s proceeding began with Clemons’ attorney, Brian Gorman, admitting his client killed his former girlfriend. Gorman said he won’t dispute evidence the prosecution plans to present, but said the evidence alone doesn’t tell the story.
“This is not just a matter of what was done by Jordan Clemons, but the state of mind of the person doing it,” Gorman said. “… A lot of Jordan’s life prior (to the murder) was unfortunate. He has a long history of serious drug and alcohol abuse.”
Gorman plans to argue Kunco’s killing wasn’t premeditated, but instead it was committed while Clemons was under the influence.
Over the next few days, the jury will hear testimony from the defense. Five police officers from different county jurisdictions testified Monday. Testimony covered how PFAs work, the discovery of her body and her vehicle Jan. 12 and the what was done to get a missing person’s report out to area officers.
Clemons, 26, formerly of Canonsburg, is accused of killing Kunco, of Pittsburgh, in January 2012 and dumping her body in a wooded area in Mt. Pleasant Township. Kunco was last seen alive Jan. 11, 2012. State police allege, after killing her, Clemons dragged her naked body into the woods along Sabo Road and covered it with leaves, brush and a tree stump. Kunco, whose throat was cut, had a PFA against Clemons.
The prosecution is seeking the death penalty.
During his opening remarks to the jury, Assistant District Attorney Chad Schneider briefly provided a timeline of events from when Kunco was discovered missing Jan. 11, 2012, to when her body was found. He said Kunco was killed in the back seat of her vehicle, and her body was dumped a little more than a mile from where Clemons’ father lived in Westland. Her vehicle was later found abandoned and running in Cecil Township.
Schneider said witness testimony will help paint a full picture of the events. He plans to call more than 20 witnesses, including Kunco’s father.
Gorman said the case could be handed over to the jury as early as Friday, although it’s possible the trial will continue into next week.
Prior to the start of Monday’s proceedings, tensions were high in the courtroom as the two families came face to face, prompting the district attorney’s office to assign seating. Judge Gary Gilman, who is presiding, asked all to be on their best behavior throughout the trial as to not distract the jury.
Testimony from the prosecution continues today and could include up to 10 witnesses, including area police officers and a doctor.