An Akron man charged in an arson that left seven people dead could face the death penalty.
Assistant Akron Prosecutor Marissa Pappas confirmed the possibility Tuesday morning during Stanley Ford’s initial court appearance via video conference in Akron Municipal Court.
Ford, 58, is charged with seven counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated arson in a fire last week that killed a mother, father and five children. Ford, who goes by Stan, lives close enough to the Fultz Street home that he could have seen the flames.
Akron Municipal Judge Ann Marie O’Brien denied bond for Ford on Tuesday.
The judge asked Pappas if this could turn into a capital case for the purpose of choosing Ford’s attorney. When Pappas said it could, O’Brien appointed attorney Joseph Gorman, who has experience in death penalty cases, to represent Ford.
“Ford adamantly denies involvement in this horrific incident,” said Gorman, who met with his new client Tuesday morning.
Ford will be arraigned at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday in Akron Municipal Court.
Gorman said he plans to bring up the issue of bond. He said he expects a high bond, considering the nature of the charges.
O’Brien said she denied Ford bond Tuesday because of the seriousness of the charges and the potential danger he could pose if released.
“I can’t remember so many victims losing their lives in Summit County,” she said.
During Ford’s initial court appearance via video conference from Summit County Jail, O’Brien explained the potential penalties he faces for the current charges.
The aggravated murder charges each have a penalty of up to life in prison without parole, while the arson charge carries a penalty of three to 11 years.
The case meets the parameters for a death-penalty specification because it involves multiple murders, including juveniles, and was allegedly done during the commission of a violent crime — arson.
The Summit County Prosecutor’s Office is reviewing the case to present to a grand jury.
Gorman said he is hoping the prosecutor will choose not to pursue the death penalty in the case.
“They have that discretion,” he said.
Gorman offered condolences to the family of the fire victims from both him and Ford.
The May 15 fire claimed the lives of Dennis Huggins, 35; and Angela Boggs, 38; and their five children: Cameron Huggins, 1; Alivia Huggins, 3; Kyle Huggins, 5; Daisia Huggins, 6; and Jared Boggs, 14.
Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at 330-996-3705 or swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow on Twitter: @swarsmithabj and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/swarsmith.