CMT News

Songwriter Charged in Slaying Will Enter Substance Abuse Program

Songwriter Richard Fagan, 61, will enter an in-patient drug and alcohol treatment after being arrested in Saturday's slaying of business partner Gaetano Thomas Oteri. Fagan appeared in a Nashville court Thursday morning (May 1) and waived his right to a preliminary hearing in connection with the death. A $20,000 bond was set for Fagan under the condition he enter the substance abuse center near Nashville. Oteri, 69, father of former Saturday Night Live star Cheri Oteri, apparently bled to death after his right wrist was slashed during an argument with Fagan at the home they shared in Nashville. His body was discovered Sunday (April 27). Fagan still faces the possibility of a criminal homicide charge after the case is heard by a grand jury. His songwriting credits include two of John Michael Montgomery's No. 1 hits, "Be My Baby Tonight" and "Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)."