Man faces trial in killing of girlfriend

1/31/2008

A Toledo man accused of shooting his longtime girlfriend and then holding police at bay for several hours will go to trial March 3 in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

Lawrence Jameson, 46, of 2423 South Holland-Sylvania Rd., is charged with one count each of aggravated murder and murder, both with firearm specifications. He is charged in the Aug. 25 fatal shooting of Tammy Bowlin Macrae, 46. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.

During a pretrial hearing Tuesday, Judge Frederick McDonald made a preliminary ruling to preclude from the trial evidence about prior allegations against Mr. Jameson,

Judge McDonald said information about an Oct. 22, 2005, incident, during which Mr. Jameson was accused of threatening to kill Ms. Macrae and her son, may be entered at trial only if it becomes admissible.

Judge McDonald also ruled against defense attorney Robert Scott's motion to change the trial venue. He said only after questioning potential jurors would it become clear whether media coverage of the murder had tainted a jury pool.

Ms. Macrae was found shot to death at Mr. Jameson's apartment about 9:15 p.m. Mr. Jameson was arrested after a four-hour standoff with police and charged in her death.

Judge McDonald had ruled earlier this month that Mr. Jameson's statements to police both during and after the standoff will be admitted as evidence at his trial.