Co. grand jury to hear about Wellsville shooting


February 4, 2008 at 5:59p.m.

Co. grand jury to hear about Wellsville shooting

LISBON — A Columbiana County grand jury will hear information Wednesday about a shooting death in in Wellsville.

Prosecutor Robert Herron said Monday the information will be presented Wednesday by special prosecutor Lynn A. Grimshaw of Wheelersburg, Ohio. The grand jury heard testimony on other cases last week.

Jack C. Amato Jr., 35, had told investigators that he shot his wife after they argued at their home at 1200 Commerce St., Wellsville. Authorities were notified about 1:40 p.m. July 1, 2007.

Tonia Brundage Amato, 25, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Amato told authorities she had fired at him and he returned fire, shooting her once between the eyes. She was found face down on the floor in a living room area.

Police found several guns in the house.

Herron stepped aside because, as prosecutor, he represents the county health department, and one of those members is Amato’s father, Dr. Jack Amato, also of Wellsville.