Daniel Whitley’s trial for the 2025 murder of James Powell in East Liverpool is delayed to June 2, 2026, due to request for more discovery time.

The trial for Daniel C. Whitley, 33, charged with the May 2025 aggravated murder of James Powell, 58, in East Liverpool, has been rescheduled to June 2, 2026, after both prosecution and defense requested more time to review discovery. The continuance was granted by Magistrate Lynsey Lyle-Opalenik, with Whitley remaining jailed under a $1 million bond. He faces aggravated murder, murder, two firearm specifications, and tampering with evidence charges. The case, which began in Municipal Court and was elevated to Common Pleas Court after a grand jury indictment, includes evidence of a toxic relationship, video threats, and forensic gun evidence. A new status hearing is set for April 13, 2026, and the case is now assigned to Judge Megan Bickerton.