The man accused of beating and robbing 83 year old Fred Rooth at his rural Joy farmhouse has made his initial court appearance. 55 year old Brian Tully of Burlington is facing a Class X felony of home invasion, Class 1 felony of residential burglary and Class 2 felony of aggravated battery in connection with the May 8th crime. He was arrested Wednesday and remains in custody on $200,000 bond at the Mercer County Jail. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for next Tuesday in Mercer County Circuit Court. Tully is also facing charges in Warren and Henderson Counties.
