LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — An Allen County jury will soon decide the fate of a Lima teen charged in connection with a 2023 murder.

Jury selection began Tuesday for Donya Perkins, who faces charges of murder, felonious assault and other related offenses in the death of 41-year-old Steven Smith.

In July 2023, Lima police discovered Smith's body in a backyard in the 1000 block of Reese Avenue. He was dead from a gunshot wound.

Perkins’ mother was sentenced to prison for a tampering with evidence charge after allegedly hiding the murder weapon. She is currently out on parole.

Opening statements in the trial are expected to begin Wednesday morning.

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