ASHLAND — The 24-year-old suspect behind a fatal shooting on New Year’s Day has been charged with aggravated murder.
Ashland County Prosecutor Chris Tunnell recommended bond be set at $2 million, and Magistrate Emily Bates accepted that amount on Friday.
“This case represents a profound and tragic loss of life, and our thoughts remain with Mr. Grehn’s family, friends and all those who loved him as they begin to process this unimaginable loss,” Tunnell said.
Tunnell said John “Lefty” Grehn’s death was the result of an argument between Grehn and Robert Palermo regarding Grehn’s dog being allowed in the house.
Grehn, 61, and Palermo were living together in Palermo’s father’s house, John Palermo, on the 100 block of East Liberty Street. John Palermo was Grehn’s long-time friend, according to Tunnell.
The initial investigation revealed the argument began as verbal. During a break in the fight, Robert Palermo went upstairs to retrieve a handgun from a locked box, and “reignited the argument,” Tunnell said.
Robert Palermo then allegedly shot Grehn multiple times before John Palermo called 911 to report the shooting.
Bates appointed Donald Wick as Robert Palermo’s attorney.
Robert Palermo was arrested in connection with the death of Grehn on Thursday.
The Ashland County Coroner, Dr. Dale Thomae, ordered Grehn’s body be sent to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy, according to a press release from the Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney’s office.
The autopsy results are pending.
Police found Grehn dead inside the residence on Thursday afternoon.
Police said John Palermo called them to report the shooting. He was not injured.
The complaint alleges Robert Palermo purposely, and with prior planning, murdered Grehn.
The aggravated murder charge carries a maximum possible penalty of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
At this time, the death penalty is not being sought, according to the press release.
“Despite the terrible nature of this allegation, Ashland is and always will be a safe place to live and to raise a family,” Tunnell said.
The investigation is ongoing and any further charges will be presented to an Ashland County Grand Jury at a later time.
