J.C. Amato is accused of killing his wife, Tonia Amato, on July 1, 2007, inside their Wellsville home.

Court documents previously disclosed that J.C. Amato told police he did shoot his wife at their home, but he stated it was in self-defense.

A Wellsville police officer said J.C. Amato told him "his wife tried to shoot him with a .22-caliber handgun that belonged to him." J.C. Amato then stated he returned fire and shot her between the eyes with a separate handgun.

J.C. Amato was charged with murder in February 2008.

Special Prosecutor Lynn Grimshaw said Amato's defense attorneys recently filed several motions. Because of that, Grimshaw said he anticipated the defense to file a continuance for the Aug. 18 trial, so Grimshaw said he filed the motion first.

Both sides are expected to meet for a status hearing on Aug. 10.

Stay with NEWS9 and WTOV9.com for continuing coverage as details become available.

Previous Stories: March 28, 2008: Man Accused Of Killing Wife Says He's Innocent March 28, 2008: Man Charged With Killing Wife In Court Friday February 8, 2008: Months After Woman's Death, Husband Charged With Slaying September 8, 2007: Husband Named Suspect In Wellsville Woman's Homicide