Updated: 1/14/2009 9:22:12 PM Posted: 1/14/2009 8:35:31 AM
CLEVELAND -- Fugitive Dr. Yazeed Essa, of Gates Mills, faced Judge Joan Synenberg in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court this morning. He's accused of poisoning his wife, Rosemarie Essa with cyanide pills.
Judge Synenberg set bond for Essa at $75 million dollars describing him as a flight risk.
During his video arraignment from jail, Essa entered a not guilty plea to aggravated murder. Photos
Essa's attorney, Mark Marein, says his client voluntarily chose to return to the U.S. saying Essa believes the change in the political climate here means he can now receive a fair trial.
Essa fled the U.S. and had been on the run for nearly two years until authorities caught him in Cyprus, trying to enter the country from Beirut. Related story: Video timeline
Rosemarie DiPuccio Essa died Feb. 24, 2005, while driving her car in Highland Heights, a suburb near Gates Mills.
Yazeed Essa was indicted by a county grand jury on Feb. 7, 2006 on aggravated murder charges.
The DiPuccio family released this statement this morning before the arraignment:
"We are extremely pleased about the return of Yazeed Essa to Cuyahoga County to finally face the charges against him for the murder of our daughter and sister, Rosemarie. It has been nearly four very difficult years since losing Rosie and we look forward to having justice finally served for her death."
"We continue to cherish and honor her memory every day while caring for her two children and all the children in our family."
Essa faces a life sentence, with parole eligibility after 20 years in prison.
Rosemarie's family havs been caring for the couple's two children since her death.
Essa fled the United States in March, 2005, shortly after being questioned by police about his Rosemarie's death.
A warrant for his arrest was issued after he did not appear for his arraignment on Feb. 22, 2006.
On October 7, 2006 Essa flew to Cyprus and was arrested for using fake travel documents.
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Bill Mason sought extradition of Essa for more than two years.
Essa's extradition was the culmination of the joint efforts of the Highland Heights Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office.
Dominic DiPuccio, the victim's brother, said, "it's been really tough and we're glad this day has finally come. Maybe we can get some justice for Rosie".
Rosemarie's mother, Gigi DiPuccio wiped away tears from her eyes, and said, "we just want to get justice for Rosie and the kids and our family so we can start to heal. And we're at the first step right now. We need to get through this and we will as a family".
Essa was returned to the United States Friday in the custody of a Sergeant from the Highland Heights Police Department, a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and a Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Deputy.
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