16-year-old murder suspect says she was ‘tricking out’ before shooting, police say

The 16-year-old accused of soliciting sex to a man before he was killed in an April shooting told detectives that the victim was her client, according to testimony Tuesday in Columbus Recorder’s Court.

Keyonna James, who was charged as an adult, pleaded not guilty to murder in the shooting of 39-year-old Marion Ralph. She was ordered held without bond in the Aaron Cohn Regional Youth Detention Center.

Judge Julius Hunter bound the case over to Superior Court.

Her plea came days after her 18-year-old boyfriend, Darious Robinson, pleaded not guilty to murder in connection with the same shooting.

Columbus police were called to the Pentecostal Church of God at 322 25th Ave. around 6:30 a.m. April 19 to check on a shooting victim. Ralph was found lying dead in the church parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds.

Ten 9 mm shell casings were left at the scene, authorities said.

Cpl. Donna Baker said further investigation led them to believe that Robinson and James were involved in the deadly shooting.

James was taken into custody on Aug. 17 and questioned about the incident. She allegedly told police that she was “tricking out” with people when she encountered Ralph, who she identified as one of her “clients,” at the intersection of Cusseta Road and 25th Avenue.

She told police that Robinson and another person stayed in the area while she drove around with the victim. The shooting occurred after they returned to the church parking lot, according to her statement to authorities.

“The juvenile advised that when she exited the vehicle, Mr. Marion Ralph exited the vehicle,” Baker testified. “At which point in time, Mr. Robinson shot Mr. Marion Ralph several times.”

James didn’t testify in court.

This story was originally published August 22, 2017 at 6:34 PM with the headline "16-year-old murder suspect says she was ‘tricking out’ before shooting, police say."