BATAVIA, Ohio — The man accused of shooting two deputies, killing one, during a 12-hour standoff at his Pierce Township apartment Feb. 2 wants to appear in court without handcuffs.
Attorneys for Wade Winn, 23, filed a motion Feb. 13 seeking to have him appear in civilian clothing without restraints, rather than jail garb, during all court proceedings, saying that seeing him shackled and wearing a jail uniform could prejudice potential jurors.
In a response filed Feb. 21, prosecutors said they were not objecting to addressing the issue for the trial, but wrote that, "given the violent nature of the charges," they believe Winn should continue to appear in court with handcuffs and a jail uniform for pretrial hearings.
Authorities said Winn called 911 on Feb. 2 to report a burglary in his Pierce Township apartment. However, he refused to leave when authorities arrived. The standoff lasted all night and ended with Brewer dead and the apartment in flames.
Winn is accused of shooting at deputies who were moving into his apartment, believing he was suicidal and had hurt himself. However, prosecutors said Winn was not hurt and ambused the Clermont County Sheriff's deputies, injuring Lt. Nick DeRose and killing Detective Bill Brewer.
A grand jury indicted Winn on 14 charges, including aggravated murder and multiple counts each of attempted murder and attempting to kill law enforcement officers.
Winn has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He's being held without bond.
Clermont County Chief Criminal Prosecutor Darren Miller said he will seek the death penalty in the case.
