05/26/2026
One year to the day of this unspeakable crime, Andrew Wick and his team have delivered justice and closure. The tenacity and commitment to justice of our prosecutor and his team has been on full display.
SENTENCING UPDATE
Murder of Deputy D. Weston Sherrer
On May 26, 2026 the Murderer of Deputy Weston Sherrer was sentenced to Life in Prison without Parole plus an additional 27-32.5 years for his cowardly actions a year ago today. The courtroom as well as two overflow spaces were filled by members of law enforcement as well as friends and family Deputy Sherrer.
Prosecutor Andrew Wick and Assistant Prosecutor Earl Desmond represented the State of Ohio for sentencing flanked by lead detectives on the case Det. Bender and Det. Flahive of the Delaware County Sheriff's Office.
Prosecutor Wick released the following statement after sentencing:
Today marks the conclusion of one of the most painful chapters in the history of Morrow County. The Defendant has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, in addition to an aggregate sentence of twenty-seven to thirty-two and one-half years for his crimes, including the murder of Morrow County Deputy Weston Sherrer.
From the beginning, this case demanded that we carefully consider every available legal option, including the pursuit of the death penalty. Deciding not to continue pursuing a death sentence was not made lightly. It was a difficult and deeply emotional decision. In reaching that resolution, a significant factor was the desire to provide certainty, closure, and finality for the loved ones of Deputy Weston Sherrer and for the Morrow County community that has grieved alongside them over the last year.
We also could not lose sight of what Deputy Sherrer was attempting to do when he decided to approach the Defendant. Weston Sherrer was trying to save a life. That act reflected the very best of law enforcement and the character of a man who dedicated himself from an early age to protecting others, even in dangerous and uncertain circumstances.
The Sherrer and Lyon families have endured unimaginable pain with extraordinary strength, grace, and dignity. On behalf of the Morrow County Prosecutor’s Office, I want to thank them for the trust they placed in our office throughout this process. We will continue to keep them in our prayers as they now finally have the opportunity to begin healing. I ask that the community continue to pray for them but that their privacy continues to be respected so that they can have that opportunity.
I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office for their professionalism, tireless work, and selfless commitment of resources throughout the last year. Their partnership and dedication were critical in ensuring justice was achieved in this case.
Sheriff John Hinton’s leadership throughout this tragedy has been steady, compassionate, and unwavering. Our community is stronger because of his commitment to Deputy Sherrer’s memory, to his deputies, and to the people of Morrow County.
Finally, I want to recognize the staff of the Morrow County Prosecutor’s Office, who prepared tirelessly over the last year and stood ready to commit significant time and resources to the litigation of this case if necessary. I want to direct individual recognition to Director of Victim Services Richelle Ettel for her extraordinary dedication over the last year. She worked tirelessly to ensure that those impacted by the loss of Weston Sherrer were supported, informed, and cared for during every stage of this process. Coming from a law enforcement family herself, Richelle demonstrated compassion at every stage of this process and repeatedly took on responsibilities beyond her formal duties to help ensure this case reached a just resolution. Her dedication exemplifies her character.
No sentence can undo the harm that has been done or return Deputy Weston Sherrer to those who loved him. But today’s sentence ensures that the Defendant will never again threaten this community, and it reflects the seriousness of the crimes committed. We continue to honor Deputy Sherrer’s life, service, and sacrifice, and we remain committed to standing with the families and community he served so faithfully.
May we all remember and strive to be like Deputy Weston Sherrer.
