$500K bond set

An Ironton man accused of stabbing another man to death was arraigned Wednesday in Lawrence County Common Pleas Court.

Joshua Thompson, 31, of 1717 1/2 Ashtabula St., previously of Wheelersburg, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 60-year-old Anthony Ridley, of Columbus.

Assistant prosecuting attorney Robert Anderson recommended setting a $500,000 cash bond.

Matt Loesch, attorney for Thompson, said his client’s criminal record showed only a previous theft conviction and the recommended bond was excessive. Loesch also contended the incident happened because he was acting in self-defense in his own home. Thompson was shot during the alleged altercation.

Judge Charles Cooper set bond at $500,000 and a pretrial for Jan. 14.

The murder charge stems from an early morning altercation in early December in which Ironton Police and Lawrence County EMS responded to a call at 717 1/2 Ashtabula St. Upon arrival, police discovered the fatally stabbed body of Ridley in the house.

The two men had allegedly been arguing about drugs, according to investigators, after which time Thompson allegedly stabbed Ridley and Ridley allegedly shot Thompson. Ridley died from his wounds.

Later that morning, 911 received a report that Thompson was at a residence on the 2800 block of South Ninth Street asking for help with a gunshot wound to his upper torso.