Pittsfield Man Found Fit For Trial on Murder Charges

A Pittsfield man accused of murder is found fit to stand trial.
David Sampley is accused of murder in the death of Sharon Welch in June of 2018. Prosecutors and the defense agree during a hearing at the Pike County Courthouse in Pittsfield that Sampley’s mental fitness is improved and the case is back on the court docket. A preliminary hearing is set for February 5th.

Authorities say Sampley is alleged to have stomped on Welch’s chest and put a sock in her mouth during a domestic dispute. Officers found Welch unresponsive in the home. She was pronounced dead at Illini Hospital in Pittsfield.