A local man charged in the apparent mercy killing of his wife was in court today (Friday) to face several charges...

The Massillon man charged with shooting and killing his wife in the Intensive Care Unit of Akron General Medical Center has entered a not guilty plea to aggravated murder, murder, and felonious assault charges at his arraignment.  Bond for 66-year old John Wise was set at ten percent of $500,000.

Wise allegedly walked into the ICU the evening of August 4th, shot his wife, and then peacefully surrendered to police.

A friend says his wife, Barbara, had been disabled by a stroke.

His case has raised questions about what kind of punishment prosecutors should pursue when a relative is suspected of killing a loved one to end their suffering.

Wise is scheduled to be back in court before Summit County Common Pleas Court Judge Mary Margaret Rowlands on September 5th.