Dixon Pleads Not Guilty

Defense attorneys for the third suspect accused in a brutal Muskingum County murder say they’re prepared to prove their client isn’t guilty.

33-year-old LaFonse Dixon appeared in Muskingum County Common Pleas Court before Judge Kelly Cottrill Wednesday in connection with the murder of 29-year-old Celeste Fronsman of Canton.

Dixon pled not guilty to one count of aggravated murder, kidnapping and aggravated arson as well as conspiracy to commit kidnapping and conspiracy to commit aggravated murder.

He could face the death penalty.

Dixon’s attorney, Isabella Dixon, who is of no relation to the defendant, said her client denies even being in Muskingum County when the incident occurred.

She said with the arraignment over, the defense can turn their attention to building their case.

"Our mindset going forward is to begin to prepare the case and that’s exactly what we’re doing," said Dixon.  "We’re waiting here, the prosecutor’s office is going to provide us with some discovery today."

Dixon’s family was present in the courtroom Wednesday.

His mother, Lisa Moore-Blakely of Canton, declined to go on camera but told us in a statement that she likens her son’s personality to that of a "Big teddy bear" and that his family remains behind him "1,000%" as he goes to trial.