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$5M bond set for suspect in 8-year-old Bryce Linebaugh's slaying
Wilson Arraignment
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YOUNGSTOWN
As the family of a slain 8-year-old boy prepares for a candlelight vigil tonight, the suspect in the case remains in jail on a $5 million bond.
Shawn R. Wilson, 21, was charged Wednesday after- noon with aggravated murder in the shooting death of Bryce Linebaugh, who was killed early Monday as he slept in a bunk bed at his Maplewood Court home in Rockford Village on the city’s East Side.
Police recovered what’s believed to be the murder weapon Tuesday morning in a wooded area next to Wilson’s Browning Avenue residence.
City senior Prosecutor Bassil Ally called it “a case of a parent’s worst nightmare” during Wilson’s arraignment before Judge Elizabeth A. Kobly in Youngstown Municipal Court.
Ally requested a $5 million bond because police believe that Wilson had a verbal dispute Sunday with an individual who lived in Rockford Village and that Wilson returned with a rifle that night and “began firing with no regard for life.”
City Prosecutor Dana Lantz said her office sought a high bond because it is alleged that during Wilson’s disagreement, he told the individual he would “come back and shoot up a house — and that’s exactly what he did.”
Lantz also pointed to evidence that Wilson tried to hide the firearm, wiped down his car and washed his clothes as another reason for a high bond.
“He is obviously a danger,” she said.
If convicted of aggravated murder, Wilson could be sentenced to life in prison or death, Lantz said.
Judge Kobly said the court would appoint counsel for Wilson and set a preliminary hearing for 1:30 p.m. Aug. 30.
Family, friends and community members of Bryce will gather at 9 tonight at Rockford Village for a candlelight vigil, said Laurie Sayers, who is serving as a spokeswoman for the Linebaugh family.
“We appreciate all the outreach,” Sayers said.
Visitation hours for Bryce will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Lane Family Funeral Homes, Mineral Ridge Chapel, 1350 N. Niles-Canfield Road, and also one hour before the noon funeral service Friday at Leavittsburg Church of God, 610 S. Leavitt Road, Leavittsburg.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bryce Linebaugh Memorial Fund at any Huntington Bank branch.