The much-anticipated sentencing of David Hillis, who shot and killed Marcus Glover away from his property after police say Glover and another man forced their way into Hillis’ Akron home, has been put off until next month.
Visiting Judge Richard Reinbold delayed Hillis’ sentencing, scheduled for Friday, until 11 a.m. Nov. 16 at the request of Kerry O’Brien, Hillis’ attorney. O’Brien said he needed more time because of scheduling conflicts.
Reinbold, a retired Stark County judge, hasn’t ruled on a motion from O’Brien that Glover’s family members be barred from Hillis’ sentencing. Glover’s family members have previously clashed with Hillis’ supporters after Summit County Common Pleas Court proceedings.
The judge plans to address this request at the sentencing for Terry Tart at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 26.
Tart, 38, who was with Glover when the shooting happened, pleaded guilty last month to a felony charge of involuntary manslaughter with a gun specification. Prosecutors say Tart was charged because state law allows an offender to be prosecuted for a death when a violent felony is committed or attempted. The felony in this case was aggravated burglary.
The Summit County Prosecutor’s Office’s Office objected to O’Brien’s unusual request to bar Glover’s family. Family members of victims are normally present at sentencings — and given the opportunity to speak.
Hillis, 22, pleaded guilty last month to voluntary manslaughter, a first-degree felony. He faces three to 11 years in prison, though his family is pushing for probation.
Glover’s family, however, is hoping he gets the maximum possible prison sentence and has held several protests in front of the Akron Police Department and Summit County Courthouse to push for this. The family also questions the circumstances of the shooting. Glover’s family members say they have heard that Glover and Tart were invited to Hillis’ home, where an altercation ensued and Hillis fired shots at the two men as they fled.
Glover was about 70 yards away from Hillis’ property and was shot in the back of the head.
Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at 330-996-3705 or swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow on Twitter: @swarsmithabj and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/swarsmith.
