New details are emerging about the criminal past of Gregory Tillman, the 38-year-old man accused of brutally killing an Akron mother over the weekend. Court records show Tillman remains in the Summit County Jail on charges that include murder, felonious assault, weapons under disability, domestic violence, and vandalism.
Tillman appeared in Akron Municipal Court on Tuesday, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges. His bond was set at one million dollars cash. A review of his background shows a long history of violent and criminal behavior stretching back nearly two decades. Records indicate the Lorain man faced weapons and drug charges as early as 2005 and has pleaded guilty at least twice to domestic violence offenses.
He also made headlines in 2016 when he was charged with escaping the Lorain Medina Community-based Correctional Facility. Tillman had been ordered there for drug treatment but reportedly smashed a window and fled, remaining on the run for about a day before being captured, according to the Cleveland WOIO.
The latest accusations involve the death of his girlfriend, 40-year-old Rebecca Lee Guthrie of Akron. Police say officers responded to calls of gunfire on Miles Avenue around 2:10 a.m. Saturday. When they arrived, Guthrie’s 18-year-old son, Marquis Terrell, told officers both his mother and his brother had been shot after an argument inside the home.
“I heard my mother and her boyfriend arguing. They argue all the time,” Terrell told 19 News. “I didn’t think anything of it. I didn’t think it was anything crazy.” Officers found Guthrie on the living room floor. She had been stabbed multiple times and shot, and died at the scene. Police say Tillman fled before officers arrived.
Terrell described the terrifying moments that unfolded. “[Tillman] tried to point the gun at me and shoot me, but it clicked twice. He tried to shoot my brother, it clicked again,” he said. “My brother wrestled the gun out of his hand. I picked up the gun and tried to shoot him. It didn’t do anything, so he ran. He fled.”
Investigators say Tillman stabbed and shot Guthrie during the confrontation. When her 25-year-old son attempted to intervene, Tillman allegedly shot him. The older son is being treated for a gunshot wound at a local hospital.
Terrell is now planning his mother’s funeral, remembering her as a hardworking woman who held two jobs to support her family. Akron police continue to investigate and ask anyone with information to contact 330 375 2490 or 330 375 2Tip.
READ NEXT
- Prince Harry breaks silence on Queen Camilla relationship: “I love every member of my family’
- JD Vance family travel demands draw frustration from Secret Service agents
- Prince Harry Faces Major Setback After Eye-Watering Bill in Phone-Hacking Case Loss
- Stan Lee documentary claims former manager hid millions from comics icon
- Minnesota Man Who Told Police ‘Just Come See’ Scene Pleads Guilty to Fatally Stabbing Pregnant Girlfriend