Murder suspect pleads not guilty

Editor's note: Joseph Jones is a Register correspondent representing vermiliondaily.com. LORAIN — A Lorain man accused in the July 10 fatal shooting of a woman in Vermilion recently entered a not guilty plea. Bryan J. Hall, 36, faces a 20-count indictment that includes multiple charges of aggravated murder, kidnapping and felonious assault in connection with the July shooting death of Ashlee Summer McPeak, 34, of Vermilion. Court records show Hall entering his plea during an arraignment before Judge Christopher Rothgery in Lorain County Common Pleas Court. The indictment, filed Oct. 16, charges Hall with: • Four counts of aggravated murder • Six counts of murder • Four counts of kidnapping • Two counts of felonious assault • Four counts of aggravated menacing Several counts carry death penalty specifications filed with the Ohio Supreme Court on October 24. The case was transferred from Vermilion Municipal Court to the county level following Hall's arrest on July 18. Police responded to reports of a shooting and took Hall into custody soon after arriving on scene. Defense attorney Michael Kinlin entered the not-guilty plea on Hall's behalf. Rothgery ordered Hall held without bond at the Lorain County Jail. He has remained in jail since his arrest with his bond revoked and no possibility of release. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 19. Hall has waived his right to a speedy trial under Ohio law.