Tom Nickles (center) with his dog, Rusty; and brothers Darrell Nickles (left) and Randy Nickles. Tom Nickles and his pet were both shot to death in an apparent robbery at Nickles' business in Dayton.
Death penalty sought against homicide suspect
The State of Ohio announced Tuesday that it will pursue the death penalty against a man accused in the slaying of a business owner found dead inside a burned garage in April.
Anthony L. Stargell Jr. was arrested April 11 and is accused of shooting and killing 54-year-old Tommy Nickles before setting a fire inside 838 S. Main St. April 3. Nickles, of Kettering, died from multiple gunshot wounds and was found in a garage where he ran Quality One Electrical Service.
A Golden retriever that had been shot to death also was found in the building, police said.
Stargell committed the murder just one month after being released from prison on a robbery conviction, according to the prosecutor's office. In addition to muder, Stargell is accused of robbing the victim, vandalizing the business, removing video surveillance equipment, shooting and killing the victim's dog and setting fire to the business, according to a release.
Police said they continued to review additional information and evidence after Stargell was indicted April 27, and it was determined the case was appropriate for death penalty specifications, according to the prosecutor's office.
"This defendant coldly killed his victim and his dog. As in any death penalty case, it is never an easy decision to seek the death penalty specifications, but in this case it is appropriate and warranted," said Prosecutor Mat Heck, Jr. in a news release.
Stargell has been indicted on three counts of aggravated murder, two counts of aggravated robbery, two counts of aggravated burglary, one count of felonious assault, one count of grand theft of a motor vehicle, one count of aggravated arson, two counts of tampering with evidence, one count of having weapons while under disability and one count of cruelty to companion animals.
Bond has been set at $1,000,000. Stargell is scheduled to be arraigned June 5.
http://www.whio.com//news/news/local...suspect/nPMDW/
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