Newark man issued $1.5M bond for alleged murder of girlfriend
![Newark man issued $1.5M bond for alleged murder of girlfriend](https://www.nbc4i.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/04/Andrew-Hoskinson.jpg?w=900)
NEWARK (WCMH) – A Licking County man appeared in court for the first time since being indicted for the murder of a Newark woman two weeks ago.
Andrew Hoskinson, 22, is charged with two counts of murder, aggravated murder and strangulation after Newark police found 21-year-old Talia Smith unconscious in the back seat of a vehicle in the 200 block of Eddy Street on March 17.
Medics on the scene were able to obtain a pulse for Smith, who was then taken to Licking Memorial Hospital and then later flown to Grant Medical Center in Columbus.
Smith, who was pronounced dead at 6:24 p.m. on March 23, reportedly had numerous contusions and abrasions in various stages of healing, with some appearing to have been recently caused, police said. Newark detectives obtained search warrants for the car and the residence of Hoskinson.
Evidence of domestic violence was collected, including information that the victim had been strangled as part of ongoing violence and Hoskinson was originally charged with domestic violence and strangulation. Charges were amended by the Licking County Prosecutor’s Office.
Hoskinson entered a written plea of not guilty Friday and on Tuesday, a Licking County Court of Common Pleas judge issued him a $1.5 million bond, which is identical to the bond he received in municipal court one week prior.