$2 Million Bond Set for Robert Palermo in East Liberty Street Shooting Case
ASHLAND — A $2 million bond was set today for Robert Palermo, 24, of Ashland, during a bond hearing in Ashland County Court of Common Pleas stemming from the fatal shooting of John “Lefty” Grehn, 61, on New Year’s Day.
Palermo is charged with Aggravated Murder, an unclassified felony, alleging that he purposely and with prior calculation and design caused Grehn’s death on January 1, 2026, at a residence located at 102 East Liberty Street.
During the video hearing, Magistrate Emily Bates advised Palermo of the charge and his constitutional rights. Palermo requested and qualified for court-appointed counsel, and Attorney Donald Wick was appointed to represent him.
According to Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell, Ashland Police responded to a 911 call at approximately 2:15 p.m. from Palermo’s father, who reported that his son had shot Grehn.
Tunnell allege that an argument occurred between Palermo and Grehn regarding Grehn’s dog being inside the home. The argument was described as verbal and briefly paused when Grehn returned downstairs to the living room.
During that pause, Tunnell said Palermo allegedly retrieved a handgun from a locked box in an upstairs bedroom, loaded the weapon, returned downstairs, and resumed the argument.
According to the Tunnell, Grehn was seated on a couch when Palermo allegedly shot him multiple times, resulting in Grehn’s death.
Palermo has no known prior criminal history.
The court ordered a $2 million cash, surety, or real-estate bond, along with a personal recognizance bond. If released, Palermo will be subject to GPS monitoring, a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew, drug and alcohol restrictions, no access to firearms, and no contact with his father, who witnessed the incident.
Palermo remains held at the Ashland County Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, January 6, at 11 a.m.
The case remains under investigation by the Ashland Police Division, with assistance from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office.
