Local

Trial delayed for man accused of murder, kidnapping, other charges

Jacksonville, FL — Less than two weeks before he was slated to face a jury, Russell Tillis’ trial has been delayed.

Tillis is charged with murder, kidnapping, human trafficking, and other counts, in connection to the death of Joni Gunter. Tillis is accused killing her and burying her in multiple holes in his yard on Bowden Circle East. Tillis was arrested for these charges in December 2016, but he was already in custody at that time for battery on a law enforcement officer.

The murder trial was slated to start jury selection on November 5th. That has been continued to May 6th.

Tillis previously was granted permission from the judge to represent himself at trial, but he has since relinquished that right and has had an attorney appointed to the case.

In October 2017, Tillis pleaded guilty to the battery on an officer charge. He was arrested on multiple charges in 2015, after Tillis resisted arrest on several misdemeanor warrants, by arming himself with knives.

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