LISBON — Kevin E. Kirby, the man accused in the 2012 slaying of Melinda Todd and causing severe injuries to her young grandson, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of aggravated murder relating to Todd’s death.

He also pleaded not guilty to attempted murder for the injuries to Cole Reed, and a charge of tampering with evidence.

Todd, 43, was found dead Dec. 3, 2012, in her state Route 45 home south of Salem. The cause of death was determined to be from a blunt instrument. Her 5-year-old grandson had also been attacked and had severe head injuries, but survived the ordeal. He has undergone multiple surgeries and months of physical therapy.

Kirby was before Columbiana County Common Pleas Judge Megan Bickerton for video arraignment last week from the county jail. Kirby, 44, of Chestnut Street, Lisbon, was was appointed defense attorneys James Wise and Kelly Linger through the Criminal Defense League.

Columbiana County Chief Assistant Prosecutor John Gamble requested Kirby’s bond remain at $1 million cash or surety due to the circumstances regarding the case and for his record, which includes prior violent felony convictions. Bickerton said she would address any requests for changes to the bond at the next hearing.

Kirby has been serving prison time at the Belmont Correctional Institution from an unrelated case. In April, he was sentenced to nine months in prison for charges of workers’ compensation fraud, theft and 11 counts of tampering with evidence.

He was returned to Columbiana County for the arraignment and Bickerton ordered him to remain there instead of being returned to Belmont at least until after his pretrial hearing, which is scheduled for Nov. 18.

The aggravated murder charges carry a sentence of 15 years to life. The attemtpted murder charges carries a maximum of sentence of 11 years.

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