Man pleads not guilty to killing father in SE Ohio

ATHENS, Ohio (AP) — A southeastern Ohio man accused of killing his father and dumping the body under a porch has pleaded not guilty to felony charges including aggravated murder.

A statement from the Athens County prosecutor says 41-year-old Paul J. Roberts also pleaded not guilty today to murder, gross abuse of a corpse, evidence tampering, vandalism, several theft-related counts and intimidation.

Roberts earlier told WBNS-TV in Columbus that he hit his father in the head with a pipe Oct. 4 after 63-year-old Paul E. Roberts stepped toward him with a knife. He said he dumped the body beneath his father’s porch in Glouster.

Roberts tearfully expressed remorse during the interview.

Police found the body Oct. 21. Authorities determined he died from blunt-force trauma.