(Tyler Murphy Photo)

NORWICH – A Smithville man facing murder charges was placed on $500,000 cash bail or $1 million bond Monday, after the defense made a request in Chenango County Court.

Cody D. Coleman, 18, of Smithville is accused of shooting his former girlfriend, 16-year-old Amelia Wakefield of Oxford, with a 16 gauge shotgun at about 6:45 p.m., May 3, at 136 Water Street in the Town of Smithville. He is charged with second degree murder, criminal use of a firearm and criminal possession of a weapon.

Before he was assigned bail Monday Chenango County District Attorney Michael Ferrarese said Coleman had a loaded gun near the victim's head before she was killed.

"The gun was in the room with the safety off, ready to fire," said Ferrarese. "Forensic scientists said the gun was less than three inches from her temple before it was fired."

In court Ferrarese asked for at least $1 million in bail and said Coleman was a flight risk and had prior convictions as a underage youth.

"We're asking for no less than a million dollar bail in this case," said Ferrarese.

He said Coleman could be sentenced to 25 years to life behind bars if convicted on the top charges.