Thursday, January 13, 2000
TRISTATE DIGEST
Cycle racer's son arrested in killings
KENTON, Ohio — A 16-year-old was charged Wednesday with killing his father, a champion motorcycle racer, and stepmother, who were found shot last fall in their home.
Brandon Grigaliunas was arrested at Kenton High School and appeared briefly in juvenile court. He was ordered held at the Marion Juvenile Detention Center.
He was charged with juvenile delinquency counts of aggravated murder and murder, Police Chief John Vermillion said.
Police found the bodies of Scott Grigaliunas, 39, and his wife, Becky, 42, on Oct. 8 after Mrs. Grigaliunas didn't show up for work.
Mr. Grigaliunas was a four-time season champion in International Drag Bike Association events, winning two titles last year.
Ohio's notification law argued in court
COLUMBUS — The Ohio Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in the most significant challenge to the state's “Megan's Law” to date.
Prosecutors from Lake, Portage and Stark counties argued that the 1997 law is constitutional and must be preserved to protect children.
An 11th Ohio District Court of Appeals in February 1999 declared the law unconstitutional. That court said in part that the law violates the rights to privacy, to acquire and protect property, to pursue happiness through a business or occupation, to reputation and to liberty.
Under the law, offenders who are designated sexual predators must register with a county sheriff. The offender's address is then provided to local schools, residents, day care operators and police chiefs.
The state is arguing that the law has a real relation to public health, safety and morals.
Area gets share of state transit funds
The Ohio Department of Transportation Tuesday allocated $12 million to 44 Ohio transit systems.
Here's what was awarded in Greater Cincinnati:
• Clermont County: More than $109,000 for equipment, including two vans.
• Wilmington: More than $30,000 toward three sedans and their facility.
• Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, which runs Metro: $4.1 million for the Riverfront Transit Center under construction in downtown Cincinnati.
• Butler County Regional Transit Authority: $171,000 for 10 replacement vehicles and a facility.
• Middletown: $288,000 for six replacement buses.
Two indicted in burglary of UC players
Two Corryville residents each face up to eight years in prison for the burglary of a home shared by several University of Cincinnati football players.
Deon Shade, 20, and Rachel Cooper, 19, were indicted Wednesday on one charge of burglary.
Hamilton County prosecutors say the pair broke into the Euclid Avenue home on Dec. 30 while the occupants were away. Of the six men who lived in the house, prosecutors say five were UC football players.
They say police, who arrested Mr. Shade and Ms. Cooper the next day, have located about 80 percent of the items taken.
Guilty plea made in fatal beating
An Over-the-Rhine man pleaded guilty Wednesday to taking part in the fatal beating of Anthony Isaacs, 30, of Maineville.
Martez Dixon, 19, pleaded to one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of aggravated robbery. He and two others are accused of robbing and beating Mr. Isaacs on Aug. 28 after pulling him from a car parked on Lang Street in Over-the-Rhine.
Hamilton County prosecutors say the three also attacked Glenn Brayton, who was in the car. Mr. Brayton, 30, of Loveland, survived.
In exchange for Mr. Dixon's guilty plea, prosecutors dropped the more serious charge of murder.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys agreed that Mr. Dixon will get a 15-year prison sentence. He will be sentenced Feb. 23 by Common Pleas Judge Arthur Ney.
Mr. Dixon may be called to testify against his co-defendants: Kevin Rogers, 18, and Anthony Pugh, 14, both of Over-the-Rhine.
Portune wants report on early retirement costs
After pushing hard to reduce the age of retirement for Cincinnati employees, Councilman Todd Portune is now pushing hard for a study to see how much it will cost.
Mr. Portune said Wednesday he wears two hats: one as a member of the retirement board looking at an attractive package and one as a councilman trying to make sure proposed changes are financially sound.
He has argued that allowing employees to retire after 25 years with 62.5 percent of their salaries — instead of 30 years for 75 percent — could save millions. Others contend the changes could cost the city $20 million.
Road work set, but will it help?
Ky. scores well on improving teachers
Gay rights groups cite 2 setbacks
King Day events focus on teaching the young
Two plan to share speakership
Butler's Holcomb raps 2nd official
Disabled kids ski away the day
Fatal crash closes I-75 for hours
Police can no longer sell old handguns
Covington mayoral race jumping
Campaign cash's stench
Do the brave thing: Let Justin go
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
Children's programming activist sees light at the end of the tube
Fox swearing off sleaze
GET TO IT
He's cool enough without the gang
2 construction workers injured
Barq co-founder dies
Butler township keeps president, adds member
Campbell may group cities' fees
Charter schools criticized
City garages drop hour from $1 rates
Embezzlement probe at state agency grows
Falmouth Police Chief dismissed
Former Xavier president dies
Ind. group taking on gambling
Jail time for guns brought to school
Lucas' town hall education meeting to reach the people
Main break floods Cleveland streets
Man tells police he didn't shoot
Monroe blaze traced to cigarette
New center to provide work force training
Police chiefs honor citizen, two officers
Receptionist sentenced for passing drugs
School voucher supporters file official notice of appeal
Silverton says goodbye to Grafton's
TRISTATE DIGEST
Van driver guilty in crash that killed 2
