James E. Trimble talks to his attorney during yesterday’s hearing. Trimble is accused of killing three people in Brimfield on Jan. 21.

Credit: Sean Joseph

James E. Trimble pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity yesterday to the murders of Kent State senior Sarah Positano, Trimble’s girlfriend Ren‚e Bauer and her 7-year-old son Dakota Bauer.

Portage County Court of Common Pleas Judge John A. Enlow scheduled Trimble, 44, to a trial by jury starting July 12 for all charges resulting from the three Jan. 21 Brimfield murders.

Trimble will be tried on three counts of aggravated murder, aggravated burglary, three counts of kidnapping, two counts of felonious assault and illegal possession of 21 firearms.

Trimble was charged with two of the counts of kidnapping and both counts of felonious assault for holding up Steven R. Reichard and his mother Lois R. Scott the same night of the triple homicide, Endlow said.

In the July trial, Trimble also will be tried for the 12 counts of attempted murder. He pleaded not guilty to these charges at an arraignment on Jan. 31. The trial originally scheduled for March has been canceled.

Trimble could face the death penalty or life in prison if found guilty of any of the murders, the kidnapping or the aggravated burglary of Positano, Enlow said. If sentenced to life in prison, Trimble could have a chance for parole after 25 or 30 years.

It took Enlow more than 30 minutes to read the charges against Trimble, who sat quietly in an orange and white striped Portage County Jail jumpsuit waiting to enter a plea.

Trimble waived his right to a trial within 90 days of arrest so his counsel, public defender Dennis Lager, would have sufficient time to set up his defense.

A gag order issued by Enlow prevented Lager and Portage County Prosecutor Vic Vigluicci from commenting.

Contact safety reporter Sean Joseph at [email protected].