YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO — A man accused of assaulting his girlfriend’s young child and then burning her alive has taken his own life in the midst of his trial.
On April 10, Robert Seman Jr., 48, was at the Mahoning County Courthouse facing charges of arson that claimed the lives of Corrine Gump, 10, and both of her grandparents two years ago. Seman had dated the girl’s mother for a number of years, and during that time, he allegedly molested little Corrine Gump as well, repeatedly.
In March 2015, Corrine Gump moved in with her grandparents. She was set to testify against Seman at trial. Before she was able to though, prosecutors believe Seman set fire to her family’s home. Police later found burns on his body that would indicate as such.
Facing charges that could lead to a conviction with the death penalty, Seman was being escorted by two policeman when he suddenly took three steps to the right and threw himself off the courthouse balcony. Witnesses say after going over the railing, Seman landed on the marble floor below, and it felt like the building had shook.
Prosecutors handling the case say Seman’s decision to end his life that way, rather than face a trial was “telling.”
