Case of man accused in fatal Middletown shooting moves to grand jury

A Butler County grand jury will now consider the case of a man charged with murder for allegedly shooting a man at a recording studio on Feb. 16.

Willie Boyd Jr., 21, of addresses in Dayton and Franklin, is accused of firing three rounds from a handgun hitting Jamelle C. Willis, 29, in the back during an argument at 2014 Tytus Ave.

Boyd fled from the scene, but turned himself into Middletown police after a warrant for his arrest was issued. He was arraigned in Middletown Municipal Court the next day where bond was set at $250,000.

On Friday, Boyd was back in court for a preliminary hearing. After the hearing, Visiting Judge Robert Taylor found sufficient evidence to bind the case over to a grand jury for consideration. Bond remains the same.

The sign on the business says Razors Edge, but business cards in the window indicate it is a recording studio called Collective Studio Inc. with Boyd listed as studio director.

When officers arrived at about 2 a.m. Feb. 16, they found Willis dead on the floor.

Detectives said there were additional patrons inside the business who fled prior to the police arriving on the scene.

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