Trial date set for suspect in Springfield Township double homicide
10/5/2011
Attorneys John Thebes, left, and Jane Roman, right, flank Samuel Todd Williams, center, during his arraignment in Lucas County Common Pleas Court Wednesday.
A January trial date was set in Lucas County Common Pleas Court Wednesday for the man charged in the double homicide of a couple in Springfield Township.
Samuel Todd Williams, 24, of 1626 Kelsey Ave., pleaded not guilty to two counts each of aggravated murder and kidnapping and one count of aggravated burglary. If convicted, he faces the death penalty.
Williams is charged in the Jan. 31 slaying of Johnny Clarke and Lisa Straub, who were found dead in the Longacre Lane home of Miss Straub’s parents. Autopsies showed both victims died of asphyxiation. Their wrists had been bound with duct tape and plastic bags were taped around their necks.
Judge Dean Mandros set a Jan. 18 trial date. He ordered that Williams be held in custody in lieu of a $4.3 million bond.