Plea possible in Middletown recording studio murder

An August trial date has been set for a man charged with a fatal shooting at a Middletown business.

Willie Boyd Jr., 21, of addresses in Dayton and Franklin, is charged with murder for the February fatal shooting at a recording studio on Tytus Avenue.

FIRST REPORT: Man fatally shot after argument inside recording studio

Boyd appeared in Butler County Common Pleas Court today where Judge Jennifer McElfresh set Aug. 21 as his trial date.

Defense attorney David Washington said he has started negotiations with prosecutors concerning a possible plea.

Boyd is accused of firing three rounds from a handgun, hitting Jamelle C. Willis, 29, in the back during an argument on Feb. 16 at Collective Studio Inc., 2014 Tytus Ave.

After his indictment last month, Washington asked that the $250,000 bond for Boyd be reduced, but the judge declined due to the seriousness of the crime.

The fatal shooting occurred at a recording studio that lists Boyd as studio director.

When police officers arrived at about 2 a.m. Feb. 16, they found Willis dead on the floor.

Detectives were told the victim and suspect were close friends and the shooting resulted from an argument inside the business.

Boyd fled from the scene, but turned himself into Middletown police after a warrant for his arrest was issued.

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