Brian Golsby faces the death penalty as his trial for the murder of a 21-year-old college student begins on Monday in Columbus, Ohio. Golsby is accused of kidnapping, raping, and killing Ohio State University student Reagan Tokes in February 2017. Opening statements are expected to begin Monday afternoon. Watch live in the player above.
Tokes’ body was found in a park, with gunshot wounds to the head, authorities said. Prosecutors say Golsby, a registered sex offender, kidnapped her, made her take out cash from her bank account, then drove her to the park where he killed her. A cigarette butt found in the woman’s car reportedly had Golsby’s DNA on it.
Golsby’s defense attorney wanted to move the trial to a different county, out of fear that the court in Franklin County due to the attention the case received in the area. The judge denied the request and the case is moving forward in Franklin County.
In addition to rape and murder, the 30-year-odl Golsby also faces a weapons charge. Monday morning, through his attorney, Golsby requested to waive his right to a jury trial for the rape and weapon charges, but a jury will still hear the case to decide the murder charge.