WARREN – Opening arguments are expected to begin this morning in the aggravated murder trial of Zaa Von Hameed, a 27-year-old Warren man charged in the May 13 shooting death of 20-year-old Nathaniel Bradley inside Park Place 24 Tavern.

Hameed faces a charge of aggravated murder with a firearm specification.

During a pretrial hearing, a third-degree felony charge of unlawful possession of a firearm on a premises with a liquor permit was dismissed.

Assistant District Attorneys Michael Burnett and Kevin Trapp will handle the case on behalf of the state, according to the Trumbull County Prosecutor’s Office. Burnett indicated that his last witness is expected to testify in the afternoon. Hameed is represented by defense attorney Aaron M. Meikle.

Jury selection began Tuesday afternoon and was completed later that day. The trial is presided over by Trumbull County Common Pleas Judge Andrew D. Logan.

Logan previously confirmed Hameed’s $1 million bail, citing his apprehension by the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force in Columbus after allegedly fleeing Warren following the incident. Hameed remains in custody at the Trumbull County Jail.

Hameed has pleaded not guilty to the charges and prosecutors allege he shot Bradley after a physical altercation at the bar on Parkman Road NW.

Following the incident, the owner of Park Place 24 Tavern reached an agreement with city officials to permanently close the establishment due to its history of violent incidents. Under the terms of the agreement, the bar’s liquor license was placed under “custody” and can only be reactivated if sold to a qualified buyer.