Former cheerleader sent text message to murder suspect shortly before fatal shooting

LISBON — A former Wellsville High School cheerleader said she and Eric Dillard were sending each other romantic text messages late on April 22, 2008.

But the text messages stopped shortly after a shooting in which Dillard is accused of killing an East Liverpool man.

Amber Dalrymple, now 18, said her cell phone communication with Dillard, 31, was, “almost all texting.”

She testified today in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court that they sent text messages to each other every day.

Dillard is on trial, charged with murder with a gun specification and illegal possession of a weapon because of previous drug conviction.

He could get 15 years to life in prison if convicted of the murder charge. He claims he shot Jamie Farley, 35, of East Liverpool, in self-defense, outside of Dillard’s home on Commerce Street.

For the complete story, see Tuesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com