Ansley

        HAMILTON — Butler County Common Pleas Judge Keith Spaeth on Thursday set bond at $1 million and ordered a mental competency evaluation for Tonda Lynn Ansley, 36, who is accused of aggravated murder in the shooting death of a Miami University professor.

        After Attorney Melynda Cook-Reich entered a not-guilty plea on Ms. Ansley's behalf, Ms. Ansley told Judge Spaeth: “I'd like to represent myself,” an assertion she began making even before Ms. Cook-Reich was appointed to defend her. Despite Ms. Cook-Reich's courthouse reputation as an aggressive attorney who vigorously defends her clients, Ms. Ansley on Thursday said she didn't feel comfortable keeping Ms. Cook-Reich as her lawyer.

MEMORIAL

Sherry Lee Corbett's friends, neighbors and fellow historic preservationists have set up a fund they hope will help one of her dreams come true. Corbett     Ms. Corbett dreamed that one day a fountain depicting an old-style bicycle would grace the Dayton Lane Historic Area, said Dave Loeffler, past president of the area's board.     Dayton Lane board members plan to meet with the City of Sculpture organization to execute the fountain, he said.     Donations are being accepted to the Sherry Corbett Fountain Fund, c/o the Hamilton Community Foundation, 319 N. Third St., Hamilton, Ohio 45011.

        Ms. Cook-Reich has said it is likely that even if the judge grants Ms. Ansley's request to represent herself and waives her right to a lawyer, an attorney customarily is appointed to serve as an “adviser” for defendants who represent themselves, especially in serious cases. Ms. Ansley faces 23 years to life if convicted of aggravated murder with a gun specification.

        Judge Spaeth reminded Ms. Ansley of the seriousness of the charge she faces in the July 27 slaying of Sherry Lee Corbett, 55. But the judge said he would consider Ms. Ansley's request to proceed pro se and render a decision later.

        In the meantime, Judge Spaeth ordered that Ms. Cook-Reich remain as Ms. Ansley's attorney.

        Hamilton Municipal Court Judge John G. Rosmarin had previously ordered Ms. Ansley held without bond. Ms. Cook-Reich asked Judge Spaeth to set bond for her client, stating that she was a longtime resident of the county and was not a flight risk. Ms. Cook-Reich also noted that Ms. Ansley had no prior criminal history.

        However, assistant prosecutor Craig Hedric said “the proof is vast and overwhelming” that Ms. Ansley committed the crime. He requested that bond be set at $1 million.

        Judge Spaeth complied with that request. He also set two hearings: Aug. 14 on Ms. Cook-Reich's motions to get the county to pay for experts and other expenses, and Sept. 4 to consider whether Ms. Ansley is competent to stand trial.

        Judge Spaeth also agreed to appoint Dr. Solomon Fulero of the Dayton Mental Health Center to perform a mental-health examination of Ms. Ansley. In her motion to appoint Dr. Fulero, Ms. Cook-Reich said appointing an examiner from outside Butler County “is necessary due to the nature of the alleged crime . . . (the) victim's community standing, reputation, fame, notoriety, and the publicity involved with this case.”

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