Madison Co. murder suspect pleads ‘not guilty’

Judge sets $200,000 bond, cites criminal history in court

MADISON COUNTY, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Steven Gerlaugh, 75, appeared via video call in Madison County District Court for his arraignment, Wednesday morning, facing a murder charge in the shooting death of 42-year-old Thomas Rison.

“You are charged with the offense of murder, a class A felony, do you understand that charge,” the judge asked.

“Yes ma’am,” Gerlaugh responded.

“Do you need me to read you the complaint?” the judge continued.

“I understand,” Gerlaugh said.

Gerlaugh is accused of shooting Rison in the chest Monday night on Baldwin Street in Berea. The coroner said Rison died a short time later at a hospital.

During the arraignment, Gerlaugh entered a plea of not guilty.

“You are eligible for court-appointed counsel, I’ll appoint the public defender’s office, enter a plea of not guilty, and set a preliminary hearing date,” the judge stated.

According to Gerlaugh’s arrest warrant, surveillance footage allegedly shows him seated in his car, speaking with Rison, who was standing next to the driver’s side window. Police say the video then captures what appears to be a muzzle flash, followed by Rison collapsing and Gerlaugh driving away. Officials say Gerlaugh fled to another county after the shooting and was later arrested in Garrard County.

“Before court, I was reviewing his criminal history, and he has a conviction for escape, so I have to negatively consider that in the context of likelihood to reappear,” the judge said.

The judge set Gerlaugh’s bond at $200,000 and acknowledged his prior violent offense.

“See that he has a history of a violent offense,” the judge noted.

Gerlaugh is scheduled to return to court on February 12.