Instead, Nitz was transported from the Middletown City Jail to the Butler County Jail. He will appear before Judge Charles Pater at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday for his arraignment, records show. The judge will ask for a plea, then set bond.
POLICE: Man who allegedly shot and killed wife had no criminal past locally
At Tuesday’s arraignment, Butler County Prosecutor Michael Gmoser said he will seek “a substantial” bond, based on Nitz’s actions after he allegedly killed his wife.
After the alleged shooting, Nitz left Middletown on his motorcycle and rode toward Meigs County, about three hours from Middletown.
One of Nitz’s friends told Middletown police he received a text that read: “I just killed my wife talk to you later.” The friend thought the text was a joke, then he received the next text: “I kill her sorry,” according to the search warrant. Later, police received a tip that Nitz was riding to Meigs County to kill a deputy who works in the jail, the search warrant said.
He had a gun when he was arrested by Meigs County sheriff deputies. Gmoser said he’s concerned that Nitz is a flight risk. Nitz is represented by Sam Borst.
If convicted of murder, Nitz faces 18 years to life, said Gmoser. Typically, those convicted of murder face 15 years to life, but three years would be added because Nitz allegedly used a gun.
On April 30, Nitz, 45, allegedly shot and killed his wife, Crista Nitz, 41, in the couple’s bathroom. At his arraignment last week, visiting Judge Robert Taylor set bond at $1 million, either cash or surety, and no 10 percent.
Nitz allegedly killed his wife of seven months after he found “phone numbers” on her cell phone, according to the search warrants obtained by the Journal-News. Middletown police later located the cell phone on the roof of the home, where Bobby Jo Nitz told police he threw it during the argument.
Nitz allegedly shot his wife in the head in the bathroom in their home in the 1200 block of Short Street, and she was discovered by her 11-year-old daughter.
According to Meigs County court records, Nitz has been arrested and charged there numerous times for domestic violence, disorderly conduct/intoxication, and passing bad checks. Prior to April 30, Middletown police had never responded to the house on Short Street, according to police records.
The 11-year-old girl now is living with her biological father in West Virginia. The father said he heard about the indictment on Wednesday, but refused to comment.
About the Author
