Man Held Without Bond in Lawn-Killing Case

BATAVIA, Ohio – The Ohio man accused of killing a neighbor who walked across his yard was being held on Tuesday without bond.

Charles Martin is charged with murder in the death of 15-year-old Larry Mugrage. The boy was shot in the chest with a shotgun.

Martin called 911 on Sunday afternoon, saying calmly: "I just killed a kid."

In the 911 tape — in which he speaks calmly, considering the circumstances — Martin says, "I've been harassed by him and his parents for five years. Today just blew it up."

Mugrage, whose family lived next door, was shot in the chest with a shotgun. The high school freshman was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Martin, 66, allegedly told police he had several times had problems with neighbors walking on his lawn. He remained jailed without bond Monday. His jailers said no attorney was listed for him.

Before hanging up, he tells the dispatcher "I'll be outside, I'll be unarmed."

Neighbors said Martin lived alone quietly, often sitting in front of his one-story home with its neat lawn, well-trimmed shrubbery and flag pole with U.S. and Navy flags flying.

Joanne Ritchie, 46, said Mugrage was known as "a good kid," but she always also considered Martin to be friendly.

Union Township is near Batavia, about 20 miles east of Cincinnati.