Lisa Bernheim / Picture Editor / lb320306@ohiou.edu

Jonathan Bebb, 32, appeared in court this morning after being charged with the murder of his father, Ohio University professor Phillip Bebb. He did not enter a plea.

The son of a slain Ohio University professor was arraigned on murder charges yesterday.

Jonathan Bebb, 32, of Athens, did not enter a plea in Athens Municipal Court yesterday morning after being charged with the murder of his father, OU professor Phillip Bebb. Judge William Grim set bail at $250,000.

Grim also stipulated that Bebb, an engineering graduate student, must live with his mother, Wilhelmina Lusty, and stepfather; stay at home except for work or class; and have no access to weapons if he is released on bail. Grim did not explain how he decided on these conditions.

Bebb could go free by paying a bondsman 10 percent of the bail — $25,000 — or by providing equity such as real estate for the full amount.

Bebb had not posted bail as of late last night, but could do so through the Athens Police Department at any time.

The OU Police Department has issued a campus crime alert advising students that Bebb has been banned from university property and released on bail. OUPD issued the statement “in anticipation” of Bebb’s release, said Sally Linder, university spokeswoman.

Phillip Bebb’s wife, Susan West, found the 66-year-old history professor with multiple stab wounds after returning to their home at 18 Mulligan Road, south of the OU campus, at about 8 p.m. Monday.

The murder charge carries a potential life sentence but is not punishable by the death penalty, said Athens County Prosecutor C. David Warren.

Warren requested bail be set at $5 million, citing the violent nature of the crime and inconsistencies in Bebb’s story. The elder Bebb was stabbed more than 40 times, including twice in the eye, Warren said at the hearing. While the crime scene showed signs of a struggle, there was no evidence of forced entry, Warren said. The weapon used was described as a “buck knife.”

When questioned by police, Bebb showed almost no emotion and offered unusual, inconsistent answers to questions, Warren said.

Bebb also could not offer a consistent explanation for a wound on his right hand, said Robert Driscoll, assistant county prosecutor.

Bebb has documented mental health issues, Warren said. He would not elaborate on the nature of the issues or what he meant by “documented.”

R.J. Shostak, Bebb’s legal counsel and family friend, countered the state’s request by calling the physical evidence against his client “slim.” He also pointed out that Bebb had long-standing ties to the community and no criminal record. Lusty, Bebb’s biological mother, has expressed interest in taking responsibility for him, Shostak said.

Bebb was suspended and banned from the university yesterday morning, Linder said. Bebb was arrested Tuesday evening.OU President Roderick McDavis has the authority to suspend any student who poses a safety threat to the university. Bebb is entitled to a hearing with the university before OU takes any official action, Linder added.

A hearing in Bebb’s case has yet to be scheduled, Linder said.

Warren, who said he believes the family has the means to post bail, was skeptical when asked if students would be safe if Bebb were allowed to go free.

"Well, we hope,” he said.