New Philadelphia man dies after stabbing attack, suspect faces aggravated murder charge
NEW PHILADELPHIA ‒ A 33-year-old man accused of fatally stabbing his neighbor in the head and neck could face the death penalty if convicted of aggravated murder, Magistrate Christine Weimer told the defendant in New Philadelphia Municipal Court on Wednesday.
She set bail for Corey J. Harshey at $500,000 and appointed the Tuscarawas County Public Defender’s Office to represent him. He is additionally charged with murder, felonious assault and aggravated burglary in connection with Tuesday's death of Nathan S. Green. 44.
The decision about whether to seek the death penalty rests with the prosecution, Weimer said.
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How did Nathan Green die?
Tuscarawas County Prosecutor Ryan Styer said the assault occurred around 4 a.m. Friday at Green's apartment on First Drive NE. He said there was no clear motive for the attack.
He gave this account of what occurred at the building where both men lived:
Harshey threw a large rock through the window of the apartment where Green and his girlfriend were sleeping. Green and Harshey struggled. Harshey stabbed Green multiple times in the neck and head. First responders called to the scene by the girlfriend found Harshey in his apartment, next door, covered in blood and barefoot. His bloody footwear was found in Green's apartment. He asked if his neighbor was OK. Later, when a search warrant was executed, Harshey asked a detective what charges he was facing and said he wanted to make sure he didn't kill somebody.
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Styer asked the magistrate to set bail at $500,000.
Corey J. Harshey's criminal record
He said Harshey was released from prison in August after serving a nine month sentence for harassment with a bodily substance in Jefferson County. The prosecutor said the defendant's criminal history includes driving while intoxicated, disorderly conduct, mischief, aggravated menacing, burglary, robbery, felony theft and retaliation. He said Harshey committed a probation violation in 2019 and has failed to make two court appearances.
"That's just some of his criminal history," Styer said. "I believe that he is indeed a grave flight risk as well as a risk to the community."
Styer said Harshey is a methamphetamine addict who may have mental illness as well.
Harshey appeared in municipal court by video link from the jail on Wednesday morning, with a green blanket wrapped around his shoulders. Weimer asked him if he had threatened to harm himself. He said he had.
Weimer ordered Harshey to have no contact with Green's family or girlfriend.
Harshey was represented in court by public defender Matthew Trissel, who asked Weimer to set a lower bail.
The defendant told Weimer that his grandmother is dying, and he didn't want her to be alone.
A preliminary hearing for Harshey is to be scheduled within 10 days in municipal court.
Reach Nancy at 330-364-8402 or nancy.molnar@timesreporter.com.
On Twitter: @nmolnarTR
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Nathan S. Green dies after stabbing; Corey Harshey charged with murder
