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If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact Safe Haven of Ashland at 419-289-8085 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
ASHLAND — A Loudonville man pleaded not guilty Friday morning to charges related to a violent incident that ended with his mother being flown to an Akron hospital with severe injuries.
Matthew J. DeWitt, 29, remains incarcerated at the Ashland County Jail on a $750,000 bond. He faces three felonies and two first-degree misdemeanors following the June 3 incident.
Loudonville police found a bloodied and shirtless DeWitt leaning on a fence in his front yard on June 3. Officers said DeWitt had been “combative” and that he required “multiple Taser deployments.”
“He reportedly told officers to kill him,” reads a press release from the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office.
Officers found methamphetamine on him and they later found his mother inside the house with life-threatening injuries. In a hearing on the case, prosecuting attorney Matt Metcalf said she had been aggressively beaten.
She was flown to a Summa Hospital in Akron, where she remains, authorities said.
“This is a heartbreaking case involving extreme violence within a family,” said Chris Tunnell, the county’s prosecutor. “We will pursue this case aggressively and continue to support the victims throughout the legal process.
“Domestic violence has no place in our community.”
Authorities allege DeWitt also hurt his sister.
He faces attempted murder, a first-degree felony; felonious assault, a first-degree felony; aggravated possession of methamphetamine, a fifth-degree felony and two counts of domestic violence, both first-degree misdemeanors.
Metcalf cited DeWitt’s criminal history, which includes arson and drug charges.
His court-appointed attorney, Zachuary Thorpe, was not immediately available to comment.
Court records show counsel will meet in the judge’s chambers on Aug. 1. DeWitt’s trial by jury has been scheduled to begin Aug. 19.