An 83-year-old Athens County man was arraigned yesterday on one charge of aggravated murder with firearm specifications after allegedly killing his wife in September.
David Tilley, of Guysville, pleaded not guilty to the charge before Athens County Court of Common Pleas Judge L. Alan Goldsberry.
Tilley allegedly shot and killed his wife, Hope Tilley, 46, while she was asleep in their bed during the early morning Sept. 23. Tilley then called the police at 3:01 a.m. and said his wife had been shot.
When Athens County Sheriff Officers arrived they found biological evidence on Tilley. He was arrested and taken to Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail.
Chief Assistant Athens County Prosecutor Robert Driscoll, who is handling the case with Assistant Prosecutor Keller Blackburn, asked for bond to be set at $1 million without 10 percent.
One of Tilley's lawyers, Dennis McNamara, said the $1 million bond is excessive and Goldsberry should issue the $100,000 bond originally set by Athens County Municipal Court.
Tilley is 83 years old, and his left leg is amputated at the knee, McNamara said. Tilley has worked as a teacher and college financial aid administrator. He does not have any other criminal offenses and is not a risk to the community, McNamara added.
Goldsberry set the bond for $100,000, which must be paid in cash. If Tilley is able to pay the bond, he will be released to his residence and not be permitted to leave the state.
McNamara requested for Tilley's glasses to be released from police evidence. His glasses, credit cards and $1,000 in cash were taken from Tilley's pocket when he was arrested.
Goldsberry granted the request.
Tilley could spend 15 years to life in prison and pay a maximum fine of $15,000 if convicted, according to the Ohio Revised Code.
Tilley is due back in court for a final pre-trial at 10 a.m. Nov. 2. The trial is slated to begin at 9 a.m. Nov. 16.
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Marika Lee
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