*This story has been updated upon interview with Carla Willoughby’s attorney
GALION — A north central Ohio woman is scheduled to go on trial July 11 for her alleged role in connection with the death of her father-in-law.
Marla Saunders, 36, pleaded not guilty in October to complicity to commit murder and kidnapping, both first-degree felonies. She is also accused of tampering with evidence and obstruction off justice, both third-degree felonies.
Fred Saunders Sr., 68, went missing Sept. 24, but was found a few days later with family in Marion. Shortly after his return home, the Alzheimer’s patient was taken by family members to Galion Community Hospital, where he died in the early morning hours of Sept. 30.
According to published reports, the body was released to a funeral home with instructions for cremation, but authorities intervened and had it sent to the Lucas County Coroner’s Office for an autopsy attended by Crawford County Prosecutor Matt Crall. The report from that autopsy indicated cause of death was strangulation and blunt force trauma.
While the July 11 trail is for Saunders, her husband Fred “Lee” Saunders Jr., 36, has plead not guilty to aggravated murder, kidnapping and tampering with evidence.
Also involved with the case is Carala Willoughby, 37, Marla’s twin sister. Willoughby had been charged of complicity to commit murder, kidnapping, tampering with evidence and obstruction of justice. But she took a plea deal two months ago admitting tampering with evidence and obstruction of justice, said her attorney, Rolf Whitney. She has agreed to cooperate with her sister and in-law’s trial by testifying against them. She is currently out of jail after signing a personal recognition bond.
In speaking with the Crawford County court of clerks, the charges have not officially been dropped.
The prosecutor said Saunders’ death might be the most heinous crime he has seen.
Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold set bond for Fred Saunders Jr. at $5 million and for Marla Saunders at $2.5 million. Leuthold said the seriousness of the crimes and Fred Saunders ties to Missouri where he once lived necessitated the high bond.
Frederick Saunders Jr.’s trial is slated to begin July 25 in Crawford County Common Pleas Court.
