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UPDATE: Bond set for murder suspect

Posted by Trina Edwards - email

CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19) - Police have made an arrest in the murder of an elderly woman.

James House III, 28, was arrested late Wednesday night. He is charged with the murder of Ida Martin, 93.

Martin was found stabbed outside of her apartment in the 1500 block of Summit Road Tuesday evening. She later died at University Hospital.

House was arraigned Thursday morning, where is bond was set at $1 million. He was also ordered to have a mental evaluation. 

Court records show House was arrested on two counts of attempted murder in February of 1999 for an incident in December of 1998. In June of the same year, he was found not guilty by reason of insanity. He was receiving treatment at various mental health facilities. He wasrelased earlier this year.  

House had served the same amount of time in the mental facilities as he would have in jail. Judge Ralph Winkler dismissed the insanity proceedings and ordered the Probate Court to accept jurisdiction of the case and said House should continue treatment.

"Justice will be served this time, this time around," said Minister Nate Mobley with Powerhouse Deliverance Center Ministries.

Martin's family issued this statement on Thursday: "Our family is truly appreciative of the Roselawn community and all of those who assisted  in the quick arrest of Ida Martin's alleged assailant. This is now in the hands of the justice system.  Our family will continue to cope with our loss by honoring and cherishing the loving memories of Ida. "

Friends, family and neighbors of Martin gathered outside her home Wednesday night for a vigil.

"It's tragic," said Holly Martin-Silva, Ida's granddaughter. "It's horrible that someone could just take her life. Have that ability to just take someone's life."

Martin had lived at the apartment for over 40 years, and while she knew her neighborhood was changing, she said moving was not an option.

"You just can't leave a community you've been a part of for 44 years," said Martin-Silva.

Funeral arrangements for Martin are being handled by Weil Funeral Home.

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