Pittsfield Man Now Faces Murder Charges in Domestic Dispute

A Pittsfield man now faces murder charges in the June death of a Pittsfield woman.

According to Pike County State’s Attorney Zach Boren, two counts of first degree murder have filed against 63 year old David Sampley in the death of 61 year old Sharon Welch June 4th.

Sampley had already been charged with aggravated domestic battery, criminal sexual assault and domestic battery.

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.

Sampley had been found unfit to stand trial and is in the custody of the Illinois Department of Human Services until he is deemed fit to stand trial.

A case review is set for August 21st.