LISBON - The attorney defending Wellsville resident Eric Dillard against murder and weapons charges filed a motion asking for more time to prepare, one day after securing a reduced bond which led to his client's release from jail.
James Hartford filed the motion for continuance Tuesday in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court, noting that Dillard signed a waiver of time to give up his right to speedy trial.
A motions hearing has been set for 2:20 p.m. Friday, with the jury trial still set for 9 a.m. July 15, although that date will likely change if Judge C. Ashley Pike grants the motion for continuance.
Dillard, 30, of 906 Commerce St., was arrested April 22 after a shooting outside his residence left 35-year-old Jamie Farley of East Liverpool dead. Police found the victim lying beside a parked car near the intersection of 10th and Commerce Streets suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
Dillard was indicted for murder with a firearm specification since a gun was used. He was also indicted for a third-degree felony of having weapons while under disability since he was barred from possessing a gun due to a previous conviction for a drug charge.
He had been held at the county jail under a $2 million cash or surety bond until Monday when Pike agreed to modify the bond to $250,000 cash or 10 percent. He had previously denied Hartford's requests for a lower bond amount.
Under the rules for the bond, Dillard will remain home under house arrest through electronic monitoring, with permission to leave the home only for medical emergencies or court appearances.
Mary Ann Greier can be reached at mgreier@salemnews.net
