McHenry Appears in Court

In a court appearance that lasted less then five minutes a quiet and polite 19-year-old Philo woman stood before a Muskingum County Judge.

Muskingum County Prosecutor Mike Haddox said that Jennifer Lynn McHenry is charged with one count of aggravated murder with a gun specification in the death of her father, 56-year-old Donald McHenry. In court Thursday, Judge Jay Vinsel explained the charges and her rights.

"If you are indicted by a grand jury then you have the automatic right to a jury trial in the court of common pleas unless you waive that right in writing," said Judge Jay Vinsel.

Since an indictment doesn’t exist in the case at this time Judge Vinsel set a preliminary hearing date of July 15th. McHenry made a request to the Judge.

"I ask for a court appointed attorney sir," said McHenry.

Her request was granted. McHenry’s case will go before a grand jury next Wednesday. She’s being held on a bond of $1.5 million bond. She faces life in prison if convicted.

The Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office says they were called to 6-60 Irish Ridge Road around 10:30 Wednesday, June 15th where they found Mr. McHenry in the front yard. In a 911 call Jennifer McHenry said her father tried to kill her.