AKRON --- On Monday, Denny Ross, 33, will face a retrial for the murder of then-18-year-old Hannah Hill.
Hill was beaten, raped and murdered in 1999. Her body was found in the trunk of her car six days after she was reported missing. Hill was described as a friend of Ross.
Police recovered clothing that belonged to Hill outside of his apartment. A pair of underwear collected had his DNA on them. In 2000, Ross stood trial for the murder.
Despite strong arguments from the prosecution, the jurors assigned to the trial acquitted Ross of Hill's murder.
That verdict was never read.
The judge declared a mistrial as jurors deliberated over a lesser charge. The mistrial was a result of juror misconduct.
While on probation following the Hill trial, Ross brutally raped an Akron woman in 2004. Ross was convicted of rape, attempted murder and assault and is currently serving a 25-year sentence.
In December of 2010, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that Ross must be retried for the crimes.
Ross, who rejected two plea deals in July, will stand trial again beginning August 20.
WKYC-TV