Man surrenders in wife’s shooting death

The indictment contends that the defendant was a chronic alcoholic.

By D.A. WILKINSON

VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU

Photo

Jack Amato

LISBON — A Wellsville man could face up to life in prison in the shooting and killing of his wife in what he said was self-defense.

Jack C. Amato Jr., 36, of Wellsville, was served with the secret indictment Friday.

He surrendered to the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office on Friday after being notified he was indicted.

He was charged with murder, a first-degree felony, and having a firearm while being a chronic alcoholic, a third-degree felony.

County Common Pleas Court Judge C. Ashley Pike ordered that Amato could be released if he posted 10 percent of a $100,000 bond.

Amato will also be monitored electronically by the county adult probation department.

He will also have to live with his father, Dr. Jack Amato, at the doctor’s home at an Irondale Road address in Columbiana County.

Special prosecutor Lynn A. Grimshaw of Wheelersburg, Ohio, took part in the hearing by telephone.

He was appointed when county Prosecutor Robert Herron stepped aside because, as prosecutor, he represents the county health department. Dr. Amato is a member of the county health board.

The county grand jury heard information Wednesday about the shooting.

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

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

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

Authorities seized a .22-caliber pistol and a spent shell and a .45-caliber revolver and a spent shell. Police found several guns in the house.

In September, court documents indicated that the weapon that Amato Jr. said he used to shoot and kill his wife wasn’t the weapon that killed her. Investigators searched the house again and removed more shell casings.

Atty. James Hartford of East Palestine, who has been representing Amato, filed a motion saying that the defendant has been a lifelong resident of the county and intends to remain in this area.

Hartford said his client has an extensive family and is not a flight risk.

Amato will be allowed to travel to his job at the Penn-Ohio Landfill in Negley.

wilkinson@vindy.com