Robin Root Murder Trial Underway

GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WHTC) – A 14-member jury was seated and opening arguments were presented in the murder trial of Robin Root on Monday. The 52-year-old Grand Rapids woman is accused of killing 60-year-old Janna Kelly nearly eight years ago at the victim’s home and deposited the body in a field south of Grand Haven, where it was found several months later. Prosecutors, led by Ottawa County Chief Assistant Lee Fisher, will argue that the crime stemmed from a dispute over unpaid rent Root had owed her landlord Kelly. Root’s defense will contend that it was more of a case of manslaughter rather than premeditated murder.