Pettaway held on charges of assaulting girlfriend

10/23/2012

Cameo Pettaway, who had recently been acquitted of the aggravated murder for the deaths of a Springfield Township couple, was ordered held in the Lucas County jail Monday in lieu of $125,000 bond in an unrelated case.

Mr. Pettaway, 23, of 922 Mambrino St., in Oregon, appeared in Lucas County Common Pleas Court to face a charge of felonious assault for the alleged assault on his live-in girlfriend. His arraignment was continued until Nov. 13.

Mr. Pettaway was first arrested Oct. 14 at his Oregon residence, where police were called at about 8 a.m. The victim, Sarah Rupert, 26, apparently suffered significant injuries to her face, authorities said. Mr. Pettaway had posted a $25,000 bond in the case but was rearrested after the indictment was issued by the Lucas County grand jury.

Despite being asked by the defense for a similar bond, Judge Stacy Cook noted Mr. Pettaway’s past assault record, that included instances of domestic violence. Assistant County Prosecutor Mark Herr noted that Mr. Pettaway was arrested at his home where Ms. Rupert was, despite a no-contact requirement being ordered by the Oregon Municipal Court judge.

Mr. Pettaway was acquitted in July by Lucas County Common Pleas Judge James Bates for lack of evidence in the slayings of Lisa Straub and Johnny Clarke. The ruling was issued after a jury heard 3½ days of testimony but before the trial got to the jury deliberation stage.

Mr. Pettaway and co-defendant Samuel Williams, 24, were each charged with aggravated murder in connection with the deaths.

Williams, 24, was convicted of two counts of aggravated murder, two counts of kidnapping, and one count of aggravated burglary. He is currently serving two life sentences without the possibility of parole.