‘SHE GOT TO THE GUN FIRST’: Lawyer claims struggle before fatal shooting
Last week, defense attorney Jason Phillabaum said Shearer would not waive her right to a speedy trial, meaning she had to be tried 90 days from arrest.
She was arrested by Middletown Police minutes after calling 911 and saying that she had shot her ex-husband. She was indicted last week by a Butler County grand jury.
The defense attorney also said experts would testify at trial that Shearer had been abused.
But after receiving 700 pages of evidence just a few days before trial, Phillabaum said a continuance was needed to review the discovery.
Butler County Common Pleas Judge Jennifer McElfresh granted the defense’s motion for a continuance and set a new trial date of June 19.
FAMILY REACTS: Abuse allegation a shock
Phillabaum said Shearer, a licensed concealed carry holder, acted in self-defense.
He said Shearer was chased outside the home on the night of the fatal shooting and she couldn’t “escape” because her ex-husband’s van was blocking her car in the driveway.
Tanya Shearer, Tony’s sister-in-law, previously said she never heard or saw any type of abuse.
“I am so shocked at this,” she said. “Tony was a great guy, very loving and kid-friendly. My children loved their uncle Tony.”
Download the free Journal-News app, Butler County’s #1 source for local news
About the Author