2 accused in slaying at motel are arraigned

2/17/2005

Two men accused in the murder of a man at a West Toledo motel were arraigned yesterday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

Earnest O. Smith, 38, of Napoleo, pleaded not guilty to murder and aggravated robbery. Dennis Smith, 28, of 2625 Fremont St. pleaded not guilty to complicity in the commission of murder and complicity in the commission of aggravated robbery. The men are not related, authorities said.

Judge Gary Cook ordered that the defendants be held in the Lucas County jail in lieu of $500,000 bonds each and scheduled a pretrial hearing for March 16.

James Dillingham, 48, of West Toledo was shot to death Jan. 3 during a robbery at the Crown Inn motel on West Alexis Road. A third suspect in the crime, Cathy Barnett, 45, of 305 1/2 Craig St., was indicted for aggravated murder and aggravated robbery. She remains at large.