URBANA, Ohio — A man was arraigned Monday on a charge of aggravated murder in the first slaying in rural Champaign County since 1997.

        Mark Geho, 20, of Cable, is accused in the shooting of Rex Allen Hecker Jr., 24, whose body was found next to his sport-utility vehicle in front of his home near Mingo, about 40 miles northeast of Dayton.

        Mr. Geho appeared before Champaign County Municipal Judge Susan Fornof-Lippencott, who set bond at $750,000.

        Mr. Geho was stopped by state troopers at the intersection of Interstate 70 and I-75 north of Dayton the same day as the shooting.

        If convicted, Mr. Geho faces the death penalty or life in prison.

        It is the first homicide in Champaign County since the deaths of India Smith, 11, and her 4-year-old half brother, Cody Smith, who disappeared from the home of their stepfather, Kevin Neal, in July 9, 1997. He was convicted in May 2000 of killing them and is serving two life sentences.

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