Hamm pleads not guilty to all charges

LANCASTER –The Lancaster man accused of strangling his wife of 17 years and disposing of her body in January maintained his innocence when he pleaded not guilty to all charges related to her disappearance Friday.

Shackled and wearing prison garb, Jeffrey "Scott" Hamm walked into Fairfield County Common Pleas Court for his arraignment hearing to face about 16 of Terri Jo Hamm's and family for the first time since his arrest in February.

Hamm was emotionless as he walked into the room with his attorney, Andrew Stevenson.

Terri's sister-in-law, Nicki Green, said she felt many emotions seeing Hamm but also a sort of numbness, saying her mind was in a "dream world state."

"It hasn't really sunk in yet," Green said, adding that she hopes Hamm "does the right thing."

Terri was originally reported missing by her husband three months ago. Hamm claims that his wife just walked out of their home one day with no notice, leaving her coat and many other belongings behind.

Hamm, 54, reported last seeing Terri on Jan. 26, and the Lancaster Police Department has been searching for her, and now her body, ever since.

"There's been a great deal done by police to search for Terri," Fairfield County Prosecutor Gregg Marx said. "The family has also searched for her, and we're continuing to meet with the police and we're continuing to discuss with his attorney where she might be."

In general, Marx said, it is a common tactic for prosecutors to bargain information for possible leniency by the state, but he would not comment specifically on this case.

Despite her body never being found, the prosecutor's office is pursuing 12 charges against Hamm for her alleged murder. He was indicted by a grand jury March 20 on two counts of aggravated murder, two counts of murder, kidnapping, two counts of aggravated robbery, robbery, three counts of tampering with evidence, and gross abuse of a corpse.

Marx said he realizes that the case is circumstantial, but it is still "a very strong" case.

Though Terri's family hoped for Hamm to make a full admission to Terri's alleged murder, Marx said, he did tell the family that it is "mildly good news" that Hamm didn't enter a not guilty by reason of insanity plea.

Hamm could face life in prison without parole for the most severe charge of aggravated murder if convicted. If he is found guilty of murder, his prison sentence could range from 15 years to life.

On Friday, Marx said he is not pursuing a capital case for two reasons: Hamm's age, referencing the likelihood that he will not ever get out of prison if convicted, and because he doesn't want to put the family through a drawn-out case that could last several years.

Marx estimated that a trial could take place within six months to a year.

In 911 calls obtained by The Eagle-Gazette from the Lancaster Police Department, the couple's relationship was dysfunctional and sometimes violent.

In police calls dating back to summer 2014, Terri made multiple mentions of a pending divorce and requesting a restraining order. However, those documents were never filed before her disappearance.

Green said other family members had talked to Terri about moving away from Hamm.

"She was told, 'You need to get out. You need to do something,' " Green said.

Hamm's indictment gave more insight into Terri's alleged murder, including alluding to how she was killed.

The indictment reveals that Hamm is accused of strangling his wife with a belt and then cleaning up or removing blood at their home on East Chestnut Street. The document also says Hamm removed Terri's body after killing her as well as discarded her phone, purse and glasses and the belt.

The day investigators searched the couple's residence and vehicles in February, police reported finding heroin in Hamm's truck. He was subsequently arrested and has remained in the Fairfield County Jail ever since on a $500,000 bond.

With the addition of Hamm's charges related to Terri's murder, his bond was increased to a total of $1.5 million.

"It's the goal of the prosecutor's office that this defendant never get out of jail the rest of his life, and I think (a significant bond) is the best way to accomplish that," Marx said.

Terri's family created a fundraising account to cover counseling services for the family as well as funeral and memorial costs on GoFundMe.com.

sroush@lancastereaglegazette.com

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Twitter: @SpencerRoushLEG