LEBANON, Ohio -- More than 20 years after a local furniture salesman was killed, his suspected killer was brought before a judge.
Sam Perone is accused of killing Richard Woods and dumping his body in a ravine in Lebanon.
The Woods family said they have been waiting 23 years for closure in the case.
“Twenty-three years. What a win for the justice system, for our family -- for Dick,” Woods’ widow, Sue Woods Schneier, said.
Last week a grand jury indicted Perone -- who was living in Arizona.
Investigators said Perone was a rival salesman to Woods and was the last person to see him alive. However, police have not discussed a possible motive.
Perone has been charged with purposeful murder. He is being held on a $750,000 bond.
Perone was ordered to be fitted for a GPS monitor and must have no contact with the Woods family.
If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.
