Case of man accused in fatal Middletown shooting moves to grand jury

William Boyd Jr. in Middletown Municipal Court. He is charged with murder for the shooting death of Jamelle Willis on Feb. 16. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

William Boyd Jr. in Middletown Municipal Court. He is charged with murder for the shooting death of Jamelle Willis on Feb. 16. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

A Butler County grand jury will now consider the case of a man charged with murder for allegedly shooting a man at a recording studio on Feb. 16.

Willie Boyd Jr., 21, of addresses in Dayton and Franklin, is accused of firing three rounds from a handgun hitting Jamelle C. Willis, 29, in the back during an argument at 2014 Tytus Ave.

Boyd fled from the scene, but turned himself into Middletown police after a warrant for his arrest was issued. He was arraigned in Middletown Municipal Court the next day where bond was set at $250,000.

On Friday, Boyd was back in court for a preliminary hearing. After the hearing, Visiting Judge Robert Taylor found sufficient evidence to bind the case over to a grand jury for consideration. Bond remains the same.

The sign on the business says Razors Edge, but business cards in the window indicate it is a recording studio called Collective Studio Inc. with Boyd listed as studio director.

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

Detectives said there were additional patrons inside the business who fled prior to the police arriving on the scene.

About the Author