Westerville man due in court Monday for wife's murder

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — The Westerville man accused of stabbing and killing his wife is scheduled to face a judge Monday after a Franklin County grand jury indicted him on seven charges.

James Gentile, 55, is due in Franklin County Common Pleas Court for an arraignment at 1:00 pm, according to records.

He remained in jail on a two million dollar bond.

The Franklin County Prosecutor's Office announced a grand jury indicted Gentile last week on four murder charges, two rape charges, and a charge of tampering with evidence.

"This is a case of domestic violence where this man raped and killed his wife who had separated from him." Prosecutor Ron O'Brien said in a written statement. "There are multiple murder charges regarding the one victim death because there are different methods to commit the crime of murder and the Prosecutor's Office typically charges all methods."

Westerville police officers found the body of Dana Gentile in the couple's home along Carousel Court on June 4th.

A neighbor called 911, stating Gentile had just said he killed his wife over marital issues, and Gentile drove away, according to court filings from police and prosecutors.

Genoa Township officers later arrested Gentile during a traffic stop.

Columbus police have said officers respond to 911 calls related to domestic violence more than any other calls.

A local domestic violence hotline provides help 24-hours a day, including temporary, emergency shelter and case management for domestic violence victims, along with their minor children. The number is (614) 224-4663.

Assistance is also available to bystanders who are struggling whether to contact 911 or police about a domestic violence concern.

The Center for Family Safety and Healing has a confidential number people can call to get information about reporting someone that may have crossed the line

To talk with an expert, people can call (844)234-LINE or text 87028.