A Jan. 18 trial date was set in Lucas County Common Pleas Court yesterday for the man charged with the asphyxiation deaths of a couple in Springfield Township.

Samuel Todd Williams, 24, of 1626 Kelsey Ave. pleaded not guilty to two counts each of aggravated murder and kidnapping and one count of aggravated burglary. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.

Williams is charged in the Jan. 31 slayings of Johnny Clarke and Lisa Straub, who were found dead in the Longacre Lane home of Miss Straub's parents. The pair had been bound with duct tape, and plastic bags were taped around their necks.

Judge Dean Mandros ordered that Williams be held in custody in lieu of a $4.3 million bond. He issued a gag order in the case preventing attorneys from talking to the media.

Family members of Miss Straub and Clarke were present in the courtroom. They declined comment after the hearing.

First Published October 6, 2011, 5:00 a.m.