ASHTABULA —
A city man is being held on $500,000 cash bond following his arraignment on two murder charges Tuesday in Municipal Court.
Gilberto Torres, 32, of 5012 Kain Ave., has been charged with two counts of murder after authorities found him in his Kain Avenue home with the bodies of two dead women early Monday morning.
Torres is charged with the killing of his ex-wife, Amparo “Patty” Torres, 40, and her daughter Hilda Delores Garcia Rodriquez, 20.
Security was tight Tuesday morning in the courtroom of Municipal Court Judge Albert Camplese as about 10 friends and family members of the victims sat in the back of the courtroom listening to the proceedings.
Prior to entering the courtroom all visitors were swiped with a metal detector to insure no weapons were brought into the courtroom.
One woman dabbed her eyes as the proceedings neared an end and an Ashtabula County Victims’ of Crime Assistance Director Cynthia VanAllen gathered the victims’ friends and family in a side room to discuss how her office may be of help.
She also shielded the victims’ families from the media, prior to the hearing, and told them they could comment later if they wished.
Camplese told Torres he was charged with two counts of murder and asked if he understood the charges. Torres said he did understand the charges and was able to understand English.
“Yes sir,” Torres said in response to the judge’s question.
Torres faces 15 years to life on each of the two charges and fines of up to $15,000 on each charge.
Camplese entered “no pleas” on the two charges and asked that a preliminary hearing be set in about 10 days. He also said an attorney from the Ashtabula County Public Defenders Office will be appointed to represent Torres.
Ashtabula City Solicitor Michael Franklin said there was ample evidence of the crime and said Torres would be a danger to the community. He asked for $250,000 cash bond on each count of murder.
Camplese agreed with Franklin’s request. “I will accept the state’s recommendation,” he said.
Local News
Related Photos
-
GILBERTO TORRES of Ashtabula enters Ashtabula Municipal Court for his initial appearance Tuesday morning to face two counts of murder. He is charged with killing two woman whose bodies were found early Monday morning at his home on Kain Avenue. WARREN DILLAWAY
Discussion
Ashtabula man charged with 2 counts of murder
- Local News
-
-
Local group proposes charter form of Ashtabula County government
County government could see a big change if a local group is successful in getting a proposed charter form of government on the November ballot.
-
Black bear takes a stroll on Ashtabula street
“Once upon a time, there were three bears ...”
-
Happy ending in Cleveland gives hope to Ashtabula County people seeking missing loved ones
The amazing rescue of three Cleveland women held captive for 10 years is proof one can never stop searching for a missing person, local law enforcement officials said.
-
Kingsville Public Library creative writing class honors Suzanne Byerley at reading
Chuck Becker’s voice was strong and clear as he read the words of his dear friend Suzanne Hartman Byerley.
-
Conneaut’s two museums ready for holiday openings
Conneaut’s two historical museums are ready to reopen this holiday weekend, a sure sign of summer’s arrival.
-
GOTL tourist, author to sign books Saturday
With a hot dog in one hand and a pen in the other, tourist turned author Wendy Koile will sign copies of her historical reference “Geneva-on-the-Lake: A History of Ohio’s First Summer Resort” at Eddie’s Grill on Saturday.
-
GOTL to host monster carnival starting this evening
Geneva Township Park will benefit from a monster of a carnival this weekend, complete with bands, rides and food.
-
Ashtabula County commissioners award local firm bid for Harpersfield booster station project
A local firm was awarded the bid for the Harpersfield Township booster station project, Tuesday.
-
Jefferson hires new leader for schools
The Jefferson Area Local School District completed its search for a superintendent Tuesday, hiring one of its own to lead the district.
-
Ashtabula County gets a new logo
The Ashtabula County Convention and Visitors Bureau has been working for the past year on developing a brand for the county, and Wednesday, that brand was revealed.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Local group proposes charter form of Ashtabula County government
