Trial had been scheduled to begin Monday; rally may happen in Lithia Park

By Stephen Floyd, Ashland.news

A rally by local activists seeking justice for murdered teenager Aidan Ellison has been postponed after the trial of Ellison’s alleged killer was rescheduled.

Supporters of Justice for Aidan Ellison, organized by Ashland Together, were scheduled to gather at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27, outside the Jackson County Courthouse on the first day of the trial of Robert Paul Keegan.

The trial has been rescheduled to May 1 and organizers are considering alternative dates and demonstrations. Connie Minogue, of Ashland Together, said they will announce any new gatherings once plans are firmed up.

“We will await for clarification to discuss our plans and firm up an email to our base today, if possible,” said Minogue on Friday, Feb. 24.

Minogue said, though the initial plan for the Feb. 27 gathering was to meet at the courthouse, they later changed plans to hold the demonstration at Lithia Park, in Ashland, so students with Ashland High School’s Truth to Power organization could attend as well. It is expected a future rally will encourage student participation.

Ellison, 19, of Ashland, was shot to death outside an Ashland hotel Nov. 23, 2020. Keegan, 49, of Talent, has admitted to killing the teen after confronting Ellison about loud music and told police the shooting was in self-defense.

Keegan is charged with second-degree murder and faces at least 25 years in prison.

Email Ashland.news reporter Stephen Floyd at sfloydmedia@gmail.com.