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Dillard found guilty of murder
The prosecutor credited his chief assistant for his handling of the case.
LISBON — A Wellsville man faces up to 23 years in prison for shooting an unarmed business partner over the sale of clothing.
A jury in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court on Friday morning returned a guilty verdict against Eric Dillard, 31.
The jury deliberated part of Thursday before reaching its verdict. The trial began May 5.
Dillard was charged with murder, which can bring a sentence of 15 years in prison, three years for using a gun in a crime and up to five years for having a weapon after he was convicted earlier on a felony charge for selling marijuana. Convicted felons are forbidden to have weapons.
Sentencing is set for 10 a.m. June 29 before Judge C. Ashley Pike, who presided over the trial.
County Prosecutor Robert Herron said his office had to be cautious about their comments because the case will be automatically appealed.
Dillard shot Jamie Farley, 35, of East Liverpool, outside Dillard’s home at 906 Commerce St., Wellsville, about 10 p.m. April 22, 2008.
Farley had paid $20,000 to Dillard to buy and resell clothes with the expectation he would double or triple his investment. He received only $1,500 in return.
When Farley went to Dillard’s home to complain, Dillard brandished a .40-caliber pistol.
Farley rode around the block in his girlfriend’s car, got out of the vehicle and approached Dillard.
Dillard testified he could not see Farley’s right hand and shot him twice. He claimed self-defense.
When asked what made a difference in the case, Herron said, “John Gamble.”
In the closing arguments, Gamble pointed out that Dillard didn’t call the police when he thought there was danger, and that any verbal threats by Farley did not constitute a legal reason to open fire.
Gamble, in turn, praised the jury.
“They took their oath seriously and then made a decision,” he said. “They had a tough job with the case.”
Members of the two families sat in separate courtroom benches throughout the trial. Each family showed restrained reaction when the verdicts were read, authorities said.
Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Weikart rounded out the prosecution. Defense lawyer Jim Hartford could not be reached. His co-defense lawyer was Doug King.
The prosecutors praised Wellsville Police Chief Joe Scarbino, whose small department responded to all requests for information during the investigation.
wilkinson@vindy.com