Beating suspect out on bond

WILLIAMSPORT, Ind (WLFI) - An Attica man charged in the beating death of another man is out of jail.

27-year-old James Gaskill posted $100,000 bond from the Warren County jail.

Court documents said Gaskill confronted 26-year-old Chad Wamsley of Williamsport on Saturday at a residence at 526 North Street in Williamsport. Wamsley had been camping there with some friends.

Witnessed told police Gaskill questioned Wamsley about having an affair with Gaskill's estranged wife, then beat Wamsley unconscious.

In his report, Indiana State Trooper Jim Cody said a witness told him "Wamsley curled into the fetal position and held his hands over his face as Gaskill went down on top of Wamsley and continued to batter Wamsley. Gaskill hit Wamsley in the face and head at least 15 times."

The witnesses did not realize that Wamsley was hurt as bad as he was. Cody said one friend checked on Wamsley and discovered he was unconscious and did not appear to be breathing. They dialed 911.

Wamsley was transported to St. Vincent Hospital in Williamsport, then air-lifted to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

Cody said Gaskill's divorce will be final at the end of the month.

Gaskill was in court Monday for an initial hearing on charges of Voluntary Manslaughter and Aggravated Battery.

Court documents said Gaskill was interviewed at the Warren County jail. He first denied any involvement in the battery on Chad Wamsley. He said he was cutting wood all morning. Then, he asked for an attorney.

A preliminary trial date is scheduled for December.