An already complex case involving a mentally ill man who prosecutors say went on a “spree killing” three years ago devolved into chaos Friday in a Hamilton County courtroom.
Alto Miles, 46, was supposed to plead guilty to four counts of aggravated murder. Before the hearing began, Miles met with his attorneys and signed a document indicating he would plead guilty to the charges.
But soon after being wheeled into Common Pleas Judge Chris Wagner’s courtroom, strapped to a restraint chair, Miles became agitated. He ranted, shouted profanities, talked about shooting people in the head or face.
“I’m not pleading to s—,” he said, at one point.
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
He told one of his attorneys, “You ain’t God … I’m God.”
The courtroom was packed with family and friends of the four people Miles is accused of fatally shooting in April 2020. Investigators believe the first two killed were Miles’ onetime girlfriend, 35-year-old Tasia Mason, and 56-year-old Bridgett Carter. Their bodies were found at an apartment in North Avondale. That same day, William Bowen III, 28, and Michael Eves, 47, were fatally shot at an apartment in the 3600 block of Reading Road in Avondale.
In the courtroom, Miles − whose mouth was covered with fabric, in case he tried to spit − also shouted at Wagner. When the judge told Miles he had one last chance to formally plead guilty, Miles laughed.
Wagner decided a plea wasn’t going to happen and ordered Miles to be taken back to the county jail.
Several people in the courtroom expressed anger, at least one man tried to push his way through deputies who were blocking an exit door. Eventually, a woman could be heard screaming in the hallway.
The next court hearing is set for Nov. 9. Wagner said Miles will appear by video.
Although Miles is mentally ill and has been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, he has been deemed competent to stand trial. When he is properly medicated, according to court documents, he is able to understand the nature of the proceedings and can assist in his own defense.
Miles had faced the death penalty, but last month Wagner ruled that Miles has a serious mental illness under the law and could not be sentenced to death.
If he pleads guilty to aggravated murder charges, he would be sentenced to life in prison.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Alto Miles refuses to plead guilty in 2020 ‘spree’ killings
EMEA Tribune is not involved in this news article, it is taken from our partners and or from the News Agencies. Copyright and Credit go to the News Agencies, email [email protected] Follow our WhatsApp verified Channel
