Sampley found not guilty by reason of insanity in Pike death

Jun. 13--PITTSFIELD -- A Pittsfield man charged with first-degree murder has been found not guilty by reason of insanity.

David M. Sampley, 65, agreed to a June 5 stipulated bench trial, during which Judge Frank McCartney found him not guilty by reason of insanity.

Pike County State's Attorney Zachary Boren said McCartney reviewed all the evidence that would have been submitted during a regular trial and each side agreed on what would have been said.

"The defense would have called (Springfield-based psychologist) Terry Killian, who would have testified that it was reasonable that Sampley was insane at the time and not able to appreciate the criminality of his actions," Boren said.

After consulting with the Appellate Prosecutors Office, Boren was unable to find a reason to challenge Killian's testimony, he said.

There also was support from the victim's family.

Sampley originally was arrested on charges of domestic battery, aggravated domestic battery and aggravated criminal sexual assault in connection with the death of Sharon K. Welch, 61, of Pittsfield.

Police responded about 7 p.m.June 4, 2018, to Welch's home in the 600 block of Clarksville Road and found Welch inside, unresponsive. She was pronounced dead at 7:40 p.m.June 4 at Illini Hospital.

According to court documents, Sampley was charged with aggravated domestic battery after police said he "intentionally strangled" Welch by forcing a sock into her mouth. He also is accused of pushing and walking on Welch that evening, as well as committing a sex act.

He was found unfit to stand trial on June 25, 2018, and was lodged at McFarland Mental Health Center; he was found during a Jan. 22, 2019, court hearing to have been restored to fitness.

A commitment hearing has been scheduled for 1 p.m.July 23, following an evaluation by the Illinois Department of Human Services. The department will issues a recommendation to the judge, who will determine the level of commitment.

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