Man who killed Ohio deputy 1 year ago today sentenced to life in prison

Ajouté : 2026-06-03

[00:00:57]Let me ask you.

[00:01:15]Okay, thank you.

[00:03:11]Yes.

[00:03:19]Good.

[00:08:35]Thank you.

[00:13:39]Thank you.

[00:13:40]>> You're welcome.

[00:15:02]All right.

[00:15:08]You may be seated. Thank you for the courtesy.

[00:15:22]James presiding.

[00:15:25]>> We are here today for the sentencing hearing of Brian Michael Wilson and case number 20 2025 CR000063 captain state of Ohio versus Brian Michael Wilson Wilson. Let the record reflect that both the state of Ohio is in court represented by attorney uh Wick and also county prose and also his assistant I'm sorry.

[00:15:53]The Mr. Wilson is represented by uh attorney and attorney Kendra Roberts from the Ohio public defenders um office. We're here for a sentencing hearing prior to imposing sentence. There'll be statements made by an alocution by both the state of Ohio victim's impact statement and also statements from the defense of mitigation. The court would request that the statements be addressed to The court is aware that there's been um uh documentation victim's impact statement and also um other letters to the court that the court has received.

[00:16:34]Um and at this point in time it would be the state of Ohio would begin with allocations of prosecutor Wick who you wish to how you wish to proceed.

[00:16:46]First person is Jimmy.

[00:16:52]Like I said, I requested you direct me to myself.

[00:17:24]Ma'am, do you object or record?

[00:17:31]>> Recording is fine. I'd rather not be u televised.

[00:17:35]>> I think the recording is going to be live. Is that correct?

[00:17:40]>> Streaming it online.

[00:17:42]>> You are streaming online?

[00:17:43]>> Yes.

[00:17:43]>> Okay. requesting that.

[00:17:46]>> Okay, >> thank you.

[00:18:00]>> Your honor, my name is Jamie Bodnot. I am the wife of Alan Bodnot, for whom several of the charges brought against the defendant are related.

[00:18:09]I am also the sister of the defendant.

[00:18:15]We would like to express our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Sheer family, the Marorrow County Police Department, and all those who have had the honor of knowing Officer Shear. We cannot thank you enough for his service and dedication to protect the community.

[00:18:30]Additionally, we cannot understand the immeasurable loss that you have suffered during this time.

[00:18:36]Today I'm providing this statement from a position in which my family is physically safe because of the sacrifices that officer Shearer made the night of May 26, 2025.

[00:18:48]While we are physically safe, we have sustained financial and emotional harm as a result of these careless acts and feel it important that the court hears the full scope of the damages done. As I deliver my family's victim impact statement to the court, I want you all to know that in no way do I want to diminish your immense loss.

[00:19:12]That said, my motivation to speak to the court today is centered around speaking the truth of the impact on myself and my family as a result of these heinous acts. In speaking our truth, we affirm our choice to break the cycles of trauma. The key being speaking our truth in order to come out of denial by not sanitizing or downplaying the facts of this painful incident so that we can continue to make room for healing.

[00:19:40]On the evening of May 26th, 2025, as we were winding down our Memorial Day weekend, the defendant felt compelled to act so recklessly in an attempt to hurt my sister, his wife, and my family by posting past traumas at as a vendetta against an abuser.

[00:19:57]The defendant's actions set off a response in my family that raised concern for the safety and well-being of my sister.

[00:20:04]I called the defendant to inquire if my sister was okay with him posting such sensitive information on social media.

[00:20:11]Although I didn't actually have the opportunity to ask that full question before being bered over the phone. My husband overhearing the conversation was livid because of the way I was being spoken to and proceeded to leave and travel 15 minutes to the defendant's location.

[00:20:27]My husband is a protector. He has no tolerance for a woman being abused or mistreated.

[00:20:32]being an innate characteristic in which he found himself in situations of stepping in to protect classmates, family members, and mere acquaintances.

[00:20:41]Even as going going as far as opening our home to a mother of four when they need a safe haven from a domestic violence situation, acting on his innate characteristic, he was stepping in to help.

[00:21:02]During the drive from our location to the defendant's location, my husband had cooled down and called me, second-guessing if he should get involved and to check on the safety of my sister.

[00:21:13]I had been in contact with my sister and knew she was safe and not with the defendant. He proceeded to the defendant's location to gain an understanding of what was going on that would cause someone to betray his wife's trust by reopening past traumas that she had worked hard to heal from.

[00:21:28]From the time I called the defendant to the time my husband arrived, the defendant prepared firearms and multiple clips.

[00:21:35]My husband arrived unarmed to an ambush of gunfire. Having been there no more than a minute, the defendant proceeded to unload multiple rounds aimed in my husband's direction, resulting in at least six rounds impacting his vehicle, the vehicle that likely saved his life.

[00:21:52]Next is where law law enforcement became involved and officer sheer lost his life in the line of duty.

[00:22:06]Had the actions of the defendant gone unchecked that night by my husband and law enforcement, I fear my sister's life would have been in jeopardy.

[00:22:14]The defendant had no regard for her safety as she was merely feet away from the truck when he started shooting at my husband.

[00:22:22]I question regularly how either of them were able to walk away from this monstrous situation without injury.

[00:22:28]Days following the incident, my husband found himself in an open area where residents in the vicinity were taking recreational target practice. I saw a media alarm on his face and his ears prick up, his whole body tensed in reaction. Having been a hunter all of his life, I'd never seen this type of reaction from him. Since the incident, my children, my husband, and I have sought counseling in the way of therapy and pastoral care in order to care for our well-being during this last year.

[00:22:55]During that process, nothing prepares you to inform the nature of what happened that night and begin the process of working through the trauma, let alone attempt to answer questions that we don't have the answer to.

[00:23:10]Following the investigation, I retrieved my husband's truck from the impound lot.

[00:23:16]The truck was w riddled with bullet holes. This being the first time I saw how close one of those shots came from fatally impacting my husband. The sight alone brought me to my knees.

[00:23:27]The weight and gravity of seeing the truck shook me to my core. Driving the truck home, I felt as if I was under a microscope and on display and felt everyone I passed was staring at me.

[00:23:39]The truck was concealed within our garage until we were able to have the repairs done. I feared neighbors asking what had happened and not being able to provide answers.

[00:23:50]I felt so much shame and I felt so much shame around this whole situation, fearing any association with a defendant.

[00:24:00]I have spent many hours at the home of my sister, enjoying the natural surroundings of the flowers she tends to, the trees, the meadows, the creek, the wildlife.

[00:24:11]Today, I struggle to visit her home because of the events that happened that day. I feel a deep hurt in my heart and knowing a man doing his job lost his life there.

[00:24:21]that my husband's life was nearly taken there, that my sister lives there with this dark cloud over her.

[00:24:30]Since this event, I have strong aversion to hearing the name of the defendant or seeing a picture of him without having a visceral reaction.

[00:24:40]I would like to talk about the impact my sister has experienced in resolve.

[00:24:46]Her life has been turned upside down both financially and emotionally. The defendant made choices that day that cannot be undone and violated the moral standards of marriage and humanity. My sister was abandoned, betrayed, and shrouded in his shameful actions.

[00:25:02]She's had to deconstruct her life while under the stigma of society. Her sense of safety has been threatened in the past year for fear of the public becoming retaliatory against her. some people offering that she should not have she should not be given the opportunity to grieve or feel the loss of everything taken from her because of the horrible things that he's done.

[00:25:23]She has had to cover expenses out of pocket for damages done to her home and vehicle. Additionally, she has had to sell assets, juggle payments, lost homeowners and vehicle insurance, and is facing financial ruin as a result. She continues today to work and untangle the financial mess left in the defendant's wake.

[00:25:48]I have concerns that she has not even began to face this trauma and I'm left watching her suffer the effects. Over the past year, I have seen her escaping reality of the situations in ways of distraction and avoidance that prevent her from dealing with daily life.

[00:26:02]Experiencing a denial of reality by refusing to accept that she will never get a satisfactory reason why from the defendant.

[00:26:11]She's become depersonalized from the trauma and stress the situation and feels detached from herself.

[00:26:19]She will continue to live with the effects of the trauma due to the defendant's selfish selfishness with years of untold impact on her emotional and mental state as well as her social and financial health. She didn't ask for this. The defend the defendant pushed this burden on her.

[00:26:36]I don't state this for you to take pity or sympathy on my sister, but for the defendant in the court to understand the destruction he's caused.

[00:26:45]My sister is my best friend. To say the events that occurred last year caused major changes in our relationship would be an understatement.

[00:26:53]I have tried to support my sister to the best of my ability during this time. I like many others find it hard to understand her position and struggle to know the right words to say to make things better or to wake her up from this nightmare.

[00:27:08]The old adage of hindsight is 2020 has never ruer for me.

[00:27:13]My sister mentioned to me on more than one occasion instances in which the defendant told her not to be so trusting of people.

[00:27:21]The defendant failed to mention that he was the person who should not be trusted.

[00:27:30]This all started when the defendant with the defendant making a vengeful post against a past abuser of his wife's in attempt to protect her, to seek revenge on her behalf, and to hold someone else accountable for their actions.

[00:27:45]In the end, the defendant's method of reconciliation has brought forth years of unforeseen trauma, loss, and grief.

[00:27:53]in Officer Shear's family, in my family, and far more than my sister has ever experienced at the hands of another person.

[00:28:08]Nevertheless, through the last year, I have not seen the defendant take accountability for his actions. Even during the plea hearing earlier this month, changing his plea from not guilty to guilty, there was a meekness in his tone and body language. The defendant has not offered any reasons for his actions, shown remorse, or offered an apology.

[00:28:29]Any apologies or reasoning for such terrible acts would fall short of understanding and healing the hurt that has affected so many.

[00:28:37]The life sentence in prison shall serve as an accountability by the justice system for those impacted by these damages.

[00:28:43]The personal accountability the defendant has, the chance to consider over the course of his life in prison is his to wrestle with.

[00:28:53]May that be the means of true justice for him.

[00:28:59]I came here today to put words to the damage and trauma my family has experienced at the hands of the defendant.

[00:29:06]My goal is to use this as a step to begin the long and grueling process of healing.

[00:29:11]We will persevere this trauma by speaking the truth, not hiding in his shame, and go on living life out in freedom, never knowing the reasons why.

[00:29:23]We will move forward with our lives in contrast to the decisions made by the defendant by loving and understanding those around us.

[00:29:32]By offering space to grieve and heal and bringing light to the darkness.

[00:29:38]In doing so, we will honor the life of Officer Daniel Wester.

[00:29:46]Thank you, your honor.

[00:30:01]>> Mrs. Car and I see the same question I asked the previous I'm okay with that, your honor.

[00:30:44]Your honor, I am Carrie Lion, mother of Alexandria Lion.

[00:30:52]Alex was Weston's fiance in the beginning of 2025. Life was wonderful, your honor. Weston and his fiance, my daughter Alex, would come over for game nights, which Dan and I always looked forward to. Even though West won took great joy in always feeding us, our goal was always just to not come in last.

[00:31:17]Alex and I were looking for the perfect wedding venue for her and Weston's special day.

[00:31:23]Weston and Alex were making plans for the rest of their lives together. They were deciding where they wanted to live and planning to start a family.

[00:31:34]Then on May 26th, the defendant ended it all. No more games, wedding plans, or house hunting.

[00:31:45]No chance for me to be a grandma anytime soon.

[00:31:50]And Alex lost the life she was making with Weston.

[00:31:55]Weston was a very kind young man who was giving the defendant a chance to make the right choice. And instead, he chose to murder Weston and take him from us.

[00:32:11]Watching Alex suffer and not being able to help her has caused such a deep pain in my heart.

[00:32:17]The anger and hatred I feel towards a defendant and the pain of watching Alex try to find her path in life without Weston who was her person and her love is still even after one year unbearable at times.

[00:32:34]I personally don't believe the defendant should have been granted the life in prison sentence. I believe in an eye for an eye. He should not be given the chance to live because he didn't give Weston the chance to live.

[00:32:51]Um, I would also like um to make a statement towards his father, Lee.

[00:32:58]Lee, the position your son has put you in and the rest of your family is just horrible.

[00:33:05]Please know that my family and I do not hold you responsible in any way. And I wish people would realize you had no control over the situation and that they would just leave you alone. Our feelings for you have not changed because of the poor decision your son made.

[00:33:25]>> Thank you, your honor.

[00:33:29]>> Mr. Sir, do you wish you object to your record or live to speak?

[00:34:00]>> No, that's fine.

[00:34:01]>> Okay.

[00:34:03]I'm Dan Line, Alex's father.

[00:34:09]When I look over here, I see senseless evil.

[00:34:13]For no reason, he killed Weston.

[00:34:18]An amazing man.

[00:34:21]A man who was loved and cherished by many.

[00:34:27]I watched Weston and our daughter Alex fall in love and begin building their life together.

[00:34:34]As their relationship grew, Weston quickly became a deeply loved part of our entire family.

[00:34:44]For two and a half years, they lived together just one mile down the road from Carrie and I.

[00:34:50]And we were blessed by the time that this allowed us to spend with them and share with them.

[00:34:58]Losing Weston causes indescribable pain for Carrie and I.

[00:35:06]In addition to that, watching our daughter Alex suffer the loss of the love of her life and not being able as a dad to fix it brought another level of anguish.

[00:35:19]that's impossible to put into words.

[00:35:25]Defendant didn't just take Wesson's life.

[00:35:29]He took Alex's future and ours with it.

[00:35:34]He completely erected her life and ours.

[00:35:38]By now, we expected to see Weston in a new job, to enjoy celebrating their marriage, to see them in a new home.

[00:35:50]and to become grandparents.

[00:35:54]These weren't just dreams.

[00:35:57]They were the future that we fully expected to live.

[00:36:02]When he murdered West and he took it all and he sentenced all of us to a future we did not choose.

[00:36:11]He'll spend the rest of his days in prison. And in my grief, in my state of despair, I feel this is far too good.

[00:36:20]I believe he I believe he deserves a life in hell, not in prison.

[00:36:26]He is worth nothing and his life is worth nothing.

[00:36:32]>> Thank you, your honor.

[00:36:59]questions asked earlier.

[00:37:05]>> No, that's okay.

[00:37:12]My name is Alex Lion. I'm listen fiance.

[00:37:18]On May 26th, 2025, I got a call from one of my best friends, saying that Wes was shot. She didn't know how bad or where he was taken.

[00:37:31]This led to me making three more calls before I heard the words there every long present significant other's worst nightmare. I'm sorry he did not make it.

[00:37:43]I felt my entire world shatter and come crashing down.

[00:37:47]The defendant did not only shoot a uniform that day. He killed an amazing man that went above and beyond not only for his loved ones and friends, but for the community he was protecting.

[00:37:59]He killed my person, my partner.

[00:38:03]He took away our future that we were both working really hard for. Our chance to build the home we wanted to raise our future kids in.

[00:38:14]Our chance to have our rainbow baby.

[00:38:19]And for Weston to be an amazing father that I knew he would have been.

[00:38:24]Every day I wake up and work to piece back together.

[00:38:29]What little is left of the life that he shattered that day without the person who is my main support and my rock.

[00:38:36]Every day he wakes up and gets the chance to breathe. He should thank Won and thank God for sending him. Wesson was there and wanted to help. He wanted to talk him down and see him through, but instead he killed him for it. He didn't deserve the patience and the mercy that Wesson was trying to offer him that day that most people wouldn't have. May 26 will always be a reminder that the wrong person died that day.

[00:39:14]is from Anthony.

[00:39:23]>> Yes, sir.

[00:39:28]>> My name is Anthony Wit and I am writing this statement not only as a witness but as a firefighter, paramedic, and a neighbor to the incident that took the life of Deputy Daniel Weston Sheer.

[00:39:40]First off, it took me a long time to find the words to put into this statement. And honestly, this statement doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of what I want to say. I could not be there in person, but I wish I could so you can see in person the raw emotions as I read this. I'm writing this statement in hopes you truly understand the impact you've left on everyone involved in this incident and to try to gain some kind of closure so I can try to get my life back that was altered that day.

[00:40:11]On May 26, 2025, I was at my home when everything changed. What started as an activity in my own neighborhood quickly became something I will never forget. As a firefighter paramedic, I'm trained to respond to emergencies. But nothing prepares you to witness a fellow first responder lose their life in the line of duty, especially so close to home and in the way it did.

[00:40:34]That day is not just a memory. It is something I relive. I can still see it, hear it, feel it. The sounds, the urgency, and the realization of what was happening are burned into my mind. It's different when it's in your neighborhood. It's different when it's someone who wears the same kind of uniform who made who made the same commitment to serve others.

[00:40:57]Since that day, my sense of safety, both as a resident and as a first responder, has changed. Home is supposed to be a place where you can disconnect from the job. That was taken away. There are moments when I'm standing in my own yard and I'm brought right back to the day.

[00:41:14]Loud noises, sirens, or even routine calls now carry a different weight.

[00:41:20]As a firefighter paramedic, I understand the risks we all take. But witnessing that level of violence and disregard to human life firsthand. Seeing one of our own not make it home has affected me in ways I didn't expect.

[00:41:35]It has changed how I approach calls, how I think about safety, how I process the reality of the job. There is now a constant awareness and sometimes even nightmares that what happened that day can happen to any of us.

[00:41:52]Emotionally, I carry a mix of grief, anger, guilt, and heaviness. There are sometimes I feel on edge, and times I feel withdrawn. Sleep has been more than difficult. Most nights I replay that day over and over. It's not something you can just turn off.

[00:42:12]What stays with me the most is who Deputy Shear was. 32-year-old man who showed up to serve his community just like I do. He responded to a call for help just like we all do and he never got to go home. That reality is something I think about often, not just for him, but for his family, his department, and everyone who knew him.

[00:42:33]Being a firefighter, paramedic, and a neighbor makes this loss feel even closer. It wasn't just something I witnessed. It happened in the place where I live, where I'm supposed to feel safe. And it involves someone who stood on the same side of service that I do.

[00:42:49]I'm writing this statement because I want the court to understand that the impact of that day did not end when it was over. It continues. It affects how I live, how I work, and how I see the world. I respectfully ask the court to consider the full weight of this loss.

[00:43:04]Not only the life that was taken, but the lasting impact on those of us who were there, who witnessed it, and who continue to carry it.

[00:43:16]>> The next Today, Brian Wilson is being sentenced to life in prison without parole for murdering my nephew, Marorrow County Deputy Weston Shearer. Yet, Mr. Wilson is not the only person being sentenced to a life in prison today. Far from it.

[00:43:43]Also being sentenced to life in prison without parole are Weston's parents, Dan and Julie, and all the hopes and dreams they had for their son. So is his sister Selby, who has lost her only sibling. So are his aunts and uncles, cousins, friends and workmates. And so is the Marorrow County community he served.

[00:44:05]While our life sentence is not in a prison behind bars, it's a life sentence of living without someone we love dearly. someone who cared more about others than himself and someone who honorably served his community and commitment to protect and serve.

[00:44:22]While we retain the freedom to come and go as we please, we forever have lost the ability to be with him. No more birthday celebrations, no more holidays together, no more anything. That's our life sentence.

[00:44:36]I remember how proud I was the first time I saw Weston in his Marorrow County deputies uniform. I was so excited for him and his future. As I had done for years, I blocked out the reality that something bad could happen until it did.

[00:44:53]My late husband, John, was Weston's godfather. Weston's parents credit in part my husband's law enforcement career as an influencing factor in Weston's interest in law enforcement. While many young men and women would not find it cool to have an uncle who is the longest serving sheriff in the history of Marian County, that only serve to reinforce Weston's interest in law enforcement and service above self.

[00:45:21]Weston watched his watched two of his cousins pursue law enforcement careers.

[00:45:29]As life evolved, we became a law enforcement family. Never ever could I imagine the pain and grief this would bring us one day. All because of an angry, intoxicated man with a gun.

[00:45:42]My nephew's offer to help was met with a string of v vulgarities and then death.

[00:45:52]I promise this. We will continue to honor my nephew's life and create a legacy that will support law enforcement as well as help other young men and women who want to pursue the dreams my nephew once had. That is something that you, Brian Wilson, can never take away from us ever.

[00:46:11]Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.

[00:46:38]question.

[00:46:43]>> I do.

[00:46:45]>> Good morning, your honor.

[00:46:47]>> My name is uh Peg O'Grady. Peg Sherrody.

[00:46:52]I am the aunt of Deputy West Sher. Even after a year, this still feels surreal.

[00:47:00]It is hard to believe that someone so full of life, purpose, and goodness could be taken from us so suddenly and so violently.

[00:47:10]Our family continues to live that loss every single day.

[00:47:15]From the very beginning, Weston was a light in our family. He came into this world just five days before we lost our mother, his grandmother, during a time of deep grief.

[00:47:28]In the midst of that darkness, his birth gave us hope. It reminded us that even in loss, light can break through.

[00:47:37]That is who was in his entire life. A light to everyone around him.

[00:47:43]Weston was more than a deputy sheriff.

[00:47:46]He was a son, a brother, a friend, and a man of deep integrity, compassion, and courage. He chose a life of service because protecting others was not just his job. It was who he was. He showed up for others on the worst days. He stood between danger and the innocent with quiet strength, empathy, and unwavering duty.

[00:48:12]And in the final moments of his life, that is exactly what he was doing, protecting others. He was protecting the defendant's own family.

[00:48:22]While the defendant was shooting at his brother-in-law, Weston stepped in to stop the violence and save life. He placed himself between danger and another human being.

[00:48:34]The truth is heartbreaking.

[00:48:36]Weston died protecting the family of the person who caused his death.

[00:48:42]He gave his life to save someone else's family and in doing so ours is forever changed.

[00:48:50]The emptiness left behind is impossible to fully describe. Holidays, birthdays, and everyday moments now carry the weight of his absence.

[00:49:01]There is a permanent space in our lives where Weston should still be.

[00:49:07]I also need to say this clearly. I am angry. I am angry that a man who dedicated his life to protecting others was met with such violence.

[00:49:17]Angry that Weston's courage cost him his future.

[00:49:24]Angry that our family must carry this loss forever.

[00:49:30]But we are not victims and we will not be defined by this tragedy.

[00:49:36]We will be defined by how we carry Weston's light forward.

[00:49:41]Your honor, I respectfully ask this court to uphold the plea agreement accepted by the defendant as a measure of accountability that reflects the gravity of what was taken from Weston, from our family, and from the community he faithfully served.

[00:49:59]Thank you.

[00:50:11]Mr. Mrs. On May 25th, 2025, a bright light was extinguished in our son Shear was senselessly murdered by someone having a bad day. When he pulled that trigger shattered his whole lives, not just in our family, not just the community, but in his family as well. He taken from us the quick chats just to catch up. We'll lose not only celebrating his birthday and holidays, but he won't be there to celebrate ours.

[00:50:47]Took away a man from this earth who only wanted to help people, he even tried to help you.

[00:50:53]Son's last words, Brian, don't.

[00:50:57]trying to keep you from making the biggest mistake of your life. But instead, he was met with a hail of gunfire, took him away from us forever.

[00:51:06]It hasn't been a day in the last year we haven't cried. There hasn't been a day in the last year that we haven't felt anguish and grief. All because of his cowardly actions.

[00:51:18]He's taken away our ability to watch our son turn into a great man.

[00:51:22]He would have been doubt what he become.

[00:51:25]He also took away our ability The biggest thing we've taken from us more than anything, she won't be there to hold our hand when we die.

[00:51:36]Even with all of that will walk their heads held high for having the privilege of being the parents of West like the Wilson family to know especially Mr. and Mrs. Wilson will love and miss you.

[00:51:59]Have you read the statement?

[00:52:05]>> Yes, sir.

[00:53:11]We talk about it. Those are some of the last words spoken by Deputy West.

[00:53:27]your testament to what you stood for as a deputy.

[00:53:37]People have asked me over the last year and have questioned whether or not he should have went to that house that night.

[00:53:45]But your honor, I believe on May 26 of 2025, he approached the defendant to save his life.

[00:53:51]Situation on May 26 of 2025 had all the makings of a deadly shootout situation.

[00:53:58]It would have been a standoff and untold number of people could have been injured.

[00:54:04]And that's the kind of deputy that Weston was. He believed in doing everything possible to make sure that situations ended peacefully with no harm coming to anyone, including the suspects. So, he approached the defendant to talk about it.

[00:54:22]Your honor, this case isn't about me. If it was about me, I would gladly go through the depths of hell to seek the death penalty as I promised.

[00:54:32]And it isn't about the defendant.

[00:54:35]Honestly, I hope after this hearing that his name is forgotten to this community and we never see it again but for in a print in the obituary.

[00:54:44]This case is about all of the people around this room and the people that are seated at that table and in the jury box and we're watching in other areas because there was not enough room to accommodate all of them.

[00:55:00]It is who and what they represent that this case is about. Deputy West ensures loved ones who represent person he was kind, funny, loving and selfless. He was genuine and engaging.

[00:55:17]It's Deputy Weston Sher's brethren in blue to represent the law enforcement officer. He was patient. He was honest and he was fair. So much so that the kind of people that typically don't support law enforcement proudly have displayed signs saying, "I support law enforcement just because of Weston."

[00:55:41]People who have had warrants even walked up during his memorial service, your honor, because they wanted to pay homage to him knowing they would be arrested for doing so.

[00:55:51]It's about our community, the community that he gave his life to. A young western sheerer once said that he would risk his life in exchange to protect the community that he served.

[00:56:10]And he was a man of his word.

[00:56:15]So let's talk about it.

[00:56:18]On May 26, 2025, someone decided to start family drama and he decided to shoot at his brother-in-law when he came to calm things down, nearly killing him and striking a neighboring house.

[00:56:33]He decided to rearm himself when a neighbor took it upon himself to risk his life to settle him.

[00:56:43]and he decided not to give the chance that Deputy Shear offered him to talk it out and find a peaceful resolution.

[00:56:51]He decided to threaten Deputy Shear. He said decided to follow through with that threat and he shot Deputy Shear.

[00:57:02]Was Deputy Shear lay dying, reaching for his radio trying to warn the rest of the deputies that were coming.

[00:57:13]He was mocked.

[00:57:16]The defendant cursed at him.

[00:57:19]Then he continued to shoot at him with 15 dry fires. And then he reloaded the gun and fired five more times. And then continued to pull the trigger an additional 16 times.

[00:57:36]And he continued to curse and declare victory.

[00:57:42]stopped as soon as other law enforcement arrived on scene who then rendered him aid.

[00:57:52]If this case was about me or those who justifiably want the death penalty, he would die for this.

[00:57:57]This case is not about me. It's not about his family. It's not about the defendant. It is about Weston Sheer who would have wanted to ensure as few people in this community suffer from this as possible.

[00:58:14]Who wanted to save this community that he loved and gave his life for from the long draw of trial and years of appeals that would have resulted.

[00:58:25]He would have wanted to save the defendant's family from having to witness their loved ones actions.

[00:58:32]And his goal from a year ago is being served today and that the defendant's life is being saved.

[00:58:39]And for that reason, the state is asking the court to impose the maximum possible sentence of life in prison without parole and an additional 27 to 32 and a2 years in exchange for the night of terror that the defendant brought upon our community.

[00:58:58]>> Court is going to take about five minute recess. We resume with the defense that Thank you.

[01:01:26]All right.

[01:01:32]You may be seated. Thank you for the courtesy m you wish to make on behalf of Mr. Wilson. And does Mr. Wilson or representatives wish to make a statement of mitigation?

[01:01:45]>> I do, your honor.

[01:01:58]support.

[01:02:04]These are some of the most diffult statements in mitigation that an attorney has to make for But two in particular that I want to speak about.

[01:02:22]The first is that I'm standing up following a recitation of the the character and qualities and the evidence of the fine man that Western was how he would put others first. how he was a protector, how he brought joy and happiness and smiles to the faces of family, friends, and those he loveers.

[01:02:59]I'm sure as well.

[01:03:03]So, it's difficult to stand up and talk in terms of why this court should consider lesser sentences and things along those lines. Let me say obviously we've made as Mr. Whip has indicated life without additional 27 32 years back on top of that consecutively obviously Mr. Wilson has accepted responsibility and accountability agreed to that sentence.

[01:03:48]But it's difficult because to to to follow what we have heard and all of that was fitting and proper and appropriate and should be part of a hearing like this as Mr. has said in many respects this case is about deputy sheriff and the service he provided to this community but in speaking on behalf of Mr. Wilson, I have to remind us all something that is indicated in the Bible that we are all sinners. We have all fallen short of the glory of God. Every single one of us.

[01:04:34]But none of us want to be judged solely upon our worst act on our worst day.

[01:04:45]Nevertheless, we aren't here today.

[01:04:49]Mr. Wilson is being judged from the worst act of his worst day.

[01:04:57]And I'm not here to offer any excuses for that in any way, shape, or form about the terrible tragedy as some have described heinous act that took the life sher.

[01:05:16]The other thing that makes these types of alleions difficult is that many, if not most, if not Paul in his courtroom want to know why why does this happen? Why did this happen? Why do people do the things that Mr. Wilson did on May 26 p.m.

[01:05:50]I can't give a satisfactory answer that makes this difficult.

[01:05:57]I can suggest some factors that played a role and some of those factors may put Mr. Wilson in a better light than most are viewing him at this point in time and that's understandable.

[01:06:13]But we'll never be able to answer the question why.

[01:06:20]I don't believe that Brian Wilson would be able to stand up and answer the question why.

[01:06:27]But here are factors and some of them have been alluded to by other speakers today.

[01:06:34]Brian's not been a perfect angel all his life. None of us are.

[01:06:39]The best of us have made our mistakes, have hurt other people, have acted irrational, have lashed out in anger.

[01:06:51]Many of us have ranked too much and done things under the influence of alcohol we're not proud of.

[01:07:01]And I know in the minds of many people they say, "Well, yeah, but we've never taken someone else's life." And yes, that is absolutely true. Praise God that you have in your worst moment on your worst day.

[01:07:18]But on May 26th, 2025, Brian Wilson in many respects also was a protector was angry about certain things and sister spoke about there were issues within the family and I won't go into any detail on that there's no need to there's no reason to other than the anger that Brian was feeling perhaps even to a degree irrational nevertheless was because of his concern for his wife.

[01:08:04]Yes, he did things that he should not have done which started this terrible snowball rolling quickly downhill and the tragic consequence that resulted.

[01:08:21]But he also had on his mind the fact that he had sons and stepsons who were going through legal problems of their own. A son who needed particular medical attention on a regular and consistent basis. And again, I'm not going to go into detail. It's not necessary.

[01:08:44]But these were things that were weighing on his mind. And he was bothered by the fact that there's nothing he could do to make those situations better.

[01:09:03]Like many people do in times like that they feel that their world is spinning out of control and they have no influence at all over it.

[01:09:16]They do irrational things and the worst irrational thing he did on that day was to start drinking alcohol.

[01:09:25]He drank a lot of alcohol.

[01:09:29]He drank so much alcohol that as we were reviewing the discovery of this case when we received it last summer, we were reading the statements of witnesses, neighbors, family, friends.

[01:09:48]as we reviewed video of the events of that day on many occasions. He said, "I don't remember that whatsoever." Now, again, let me say that that is not an excuse. And he never suggested that it was an excuse.

[01:10:12]It might help to explain the why. It's not going to answer the why.

[01:10:18]But it might explain what alcohol does to us when we make bad decisions. As he made a bad decision to drink alcohol that day, particularly when he was in an angry state.

[01:10:36]Alcohol and anger do not mix. Not only in this case, but I suspect every one of us in this courtroom can think of another incident where we saw someone who was angry and drank alcohol and the anger was exacerbated.

[01:10:55]Praise God.

[01:10:57]The same kind of consequences that we had last May 26.

[01:11:05]Part of the process that we go through again I've not been able to answer the why.

[01:11:13]We never will, I don't think.

[01:11:17]But part of the process we go through as defense attorneys in a death penalty case is to assemble a team to do what we term what courts turn mitigation investigation. As this court knows, mitigation is to provide evidence of a person's character for lack of giving complete definition which would suggest to a sentence in court that a sentence less than death would be appropriate for this particular individual.

[01:11:54]In our society, in our laws in the United States, the United States Supreme Court has indicated be unconstitutional to have any crime which would automatically dictate a sentence of death, regardless of how he can all think of people who have killed 20 people or 10 people or dismembered bodies and things like that to try to avoid identification and prosecution, but even those don't call for an automatic sentence of death. So, the mitigation process is to look into a defendant's background as best as we can, identify who they are and what they are about.

[01:12:54]And invariably what we find is that as I've suggested before, nobody is as evil as they appeared and as they acted on the worst day and the worst act of their life.

[01:13:13]Invariably there are indications of the humanity of any defendant.

[01:13:22]And in this case, we found that as we interviewed family, friends, classmates from school, co-workers, things like that, we found that Brian was and is a caring person in many respects. Yes, he's had other brushes with law. I would suggest out of issues relating to anger management But many people told us that he in fact was a protector that he would act out to protect others even more than protecting himself.

[01:14:08]I mentioned going through the discovery process and reviewing the videos, reviewing the statements and Brian indicating that he had no recollection of many of the events of what he was thinking or what he was doing. And that's part of the reason why I can't answer the question of why this happened. But it is an indication of the extent of that inebriation intoxication.

[01:14:37]Going through those videos in particular, reading the statements with others, we heard that in the statements at least that this was the Brian Wilson they knew as a neighbor for the years that they were neighbors to him to them.

[01:15:05]In fact, even earlier in the day, some of the neighbor girls came over and he gave them some turkey eggs which were much appreciated by those young ladies.

[01:15:19]And it's an indication that his heart isn't black. His heart isn't pure evil.

[01:15:27]that many of us not most of us in a given situation can be fully irrational and act in watching the videos on camera seeing Brian today shed tears he cried as it was put forth before him for the first time in detail that he couldn't recall exactly what he had done.

[01:16:12]He recognized tragedy of it all.

[01:16:18]A young life with much potential heard some didn't get to see Deputy Sher become the great man that he would be. I would suggest that all showed himself to be a great man on that day.

[01:16:37]And Brian in our review of the discovery when confronted with exactly what he had done in a detail that he could not recall what he is at this moment.

[01:16:55]He expressed his sorrow and rem.

[01:16:59]Now I know that for someone who has done what Brian does, stand up in front of a court, stand up in front of a group like this and say, "I'm sorry. Read it."

[01:17:14]Many times I hear him say, "If I could do it over again, I wish it had been me rather than him." All those things that can be said.

[01:17:23]heartfelt expressions and I would suggest to you that Brian is remorseful. He is sorry.

[01:17:32]He regrets that he has taken such a young accomplished life who would accomplish a lot more and cause pain and suffering family.

[01:17:47]fellow deputies and other law enforcement officers, blue line if you will, but also to his own family.

[01:17:57]He has seen the pain and suffering and agonizing they have gone through because of his senseless.

[01:18:11]I believe he honestly truly regrets that. But again, I know that can sound hollow to many in this forward and I know it can fall on deaf ears and and I understand that and I appreciate that and can't stand here and say it wouldn't fall on deaf ears to me if it were my son, my brother, my comrade-in, my nephew my fiance recognized that that's why we're here today rather than going to trial because he accepted responsibility.

[01:18:53]We reviewed this discovery with him last summer. Very early on in this process, he expressed to us a willing to resolve this case in this manner.

[01:19:12]And there are reasons why at that time many of them good reasons reasons that I'm not going to try to explain perhaps there's another why that I cannot answer what I would suggest Wilson he did a monous not the monster that We would ask respectful followed agreement.

[01:20:03]I think that circumstances It's appropriate that Mr. Wilson wish fix what happened that day for that. I'm sorry.

[01:20:42]The only try to help heal all the hurt that I can do.

[01:21:06]I love you guys.

[01:21:09]I need you to know that I can't do what was done. If I could trade my life years, but I can't.

[01:21:32]Thank you.

[01:21:39]Thank you. Uh some uh housekeeping matters before I imposed sentence is the understanding the court I want this on the record. Uh obviously it was set forth from plea agreement. Both the state of Ohio and the defendant have agreed that the sentence the court will impose pursuant to the judgment entry that was provided to the court the review by the parties is is an agreement of the parties. Is that correct from the state's perspective?

[01:22:05]>> That's correct.

[01:22:06]>> And also from the defense perspective.

[01:22:08]>> Yes, your honor. Therefore, since it's been an agreed sentence, the state the court does not have to make the findings it believed at one point it had to make for consecutive sentences and is relying on state versus sergeant 2016 house supreme court case 26 two 20 2016 Ohio 2696.

[01:22:28]Uh the court would also note u for the record that uh Mr. Wilson has entered P to all 14 counts um of the indictment.

[01:22:40]He pled guilty on May 6th. Um in addition to pleading guilty to all 14 counts, he also in count number one plead guilty to a firearm specification of three years in a specification for fourth fur weapons. He also plead guilty in count number two to aggravated murder firearm specification of three years again in a specification for four weapons.

[01:23:04]>> It's my understanding that the state wishes to make a motion that counts one, two, three, four, and five be considered allied offenses as similar import. Is that correct, prosecutor?

[01:23:16]>> Correct. Judge one.

[01:23:18]>> And the state is electing to uh have Mr. Wilson sentence on count number one, aggravated murder.

[01:23:24]In additions that counts number six, seven, eight, and nine are also allied offenses as similar report. Is that correct?

[01:23:35]>> Correct.

[01:23:36]>> And that the state is making a motion to have uh Mr. Wilson sentenced on case number six. Is that count number six? Is that correct?

[01:23:44]>> That is correct.

[01:23:45]>> So on count number one, he' be he would be sentenced on aggravated murder plus the firearm specification.

[01:23:51]On count number six, he would be uh sentenced to attempt to commit an offense. He would also then be um also sentenced on count number 10, count number 11, count number 12, count number 13, and count number 14. Is that correct from the state's perspective?

[01:24:09]>> Correct.

[01:24:10]>> Is it also correct from the the uh defense perspective?

[01:24:13]>> Yes, your honor.

[01:24:14]>> For the record, the defense has no objection to the motion made by the state to consider these allies. This is a similar import. It also has no objection to the decision by the state to seek the sentences on count number one in count number six. Is that correct?

[01:24:29]>> That also is correct.

[01:24:31]>> Okay.

[01:24:33]The court has uh before imposed sentence, the court would like to thank both prosecutor Wick uh and his assistance as well as uh public defender McVey and public defender Roberts for their professionalism.

[01:24:49]and the way they handle this case. This piece carries a lot of emotion for the attorney as well as for the parties and the court appreciates the professionalism was shown during this these proceedings. The court also expressed appreciation to the Mar County Sheriff's Office for the professionalism that is shown in handling court security, but also expressed thanks to the Delaware County Sheriff's Office for the professionalism that has shown in handling the pre-sentence incarceration of Mr. Wilson.

[01:25:18]Finally, the state the court would um like to thank the uh staff of the Mar County common police court and particularly Miss Lee uh who has provided a great deal of assistance to this court um handling this case as an assigned uh at a judge.

[01:25:49]The court has considered the present investig has considered the sentences the statements made by both the defense and the state of Ohio has considered the appropriate sentence to be um sentencing factors to be uh applied under the law of the state of Ohio. uh has found that the recommended sentence that the court has imposed is just in the circumstances. Court would also note um as an aside that the court did have the occasion to attend a death penalty conference in um Columbus in April and that the average the court learned at that time that the average stay on death row is 23 years before a person can even be proceed to be executed. The court believes this resolution is just both for the state of Ohio and also for the victims in this case.

[01:26:52]On count number one, Mr. Wilson is sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Because there are allied offenses of similar import, no sentence is imposed on count number two, three, four, and five. The court also imposes a mandatory period years incarceration for a specification for count one firearm in violation of 20 RC 2941.145A to be served prior and consecutively to other sentences and boats. The court further orders the fourth jur of the Walt Walt Walther PK 380 serial PKO 11103 firearm and the Smith and Wesson revolver 38 caliber uh serial number DEF3058 pursuant to specification five account On count number for the purposes of sentencing, the court sentenced Mr. Wilson to count number six for an indefinite period of 11 to 16 and a half years. And because their allied offenses of similar import, no sentence is imposed as the count seven, eight or nine. As for count 10 for the violation of RC 2923.161A1 2923.161C improperly discharging firearms into in at or into habitation or school safety zone. The court imposes a sentence of 8 years incarceration for count number 11 for the violation of RC 2923.16283 2923.162C2 discharge of a firearm on near prohibited premises. imposes a sentence three years incarceration for court number 12 for the violation count number 12 for the violation of RC 2923.24A 2923.24C the court imposes session criminal tools the court imposes a period of incarceration of 12 months on count number 13 for the violation of RC 2923.24A 2923.24 24 possessing criminal tools.

[01:28:54]The court imposes a penalty of incarceration of 12 months. For account number 14 for the violation of RC 2923.15A, 2923.15B using weapons while intoxicated, which is a misdemeanor of the first degree.

[01:29:09]The court imposes a sentence of 6 months. Um that sentence, the misdemeanor sentence will run concurrent with all other sentences. However, counts 6, 10, 11, 12, and 13 shall be served consecutively to the sentence of life without the possibility of parole for count number one and the three-year firearm specification to count number one for an aggre aggregated sentence of incarceration of life without the possibility of parole of 27 and plus 27 to 32 and a half 32 and 12 years. 27.32 232.5.

[01:29:46]Defendant is entitled to a jail time credit at this point of 365 days plus all other days that you'll spend in custody when you transport to the state of Ohio prison system.

[01:29:59]As part of this sentence, although the court does not believe this will be ever be applied, the defendant is advised that the contemplation of the prison term the upon the completion of the prison term that the sentence is sentenced supervision under close control PRC as follows. Count number six, mandatory minimum two years up to a maximum of five years. Count number 10, mandatory 18 months up to a maximum three years. Count number 11, discretionary up to two years. Count number 12, discretionary two years.

[01:30:28]Count number 13 discretionary up to two years. The court would note that if if the defendant was released under the terms of post was released and put under post control, the parole board may return the defendant to prison for a maximum period of nine months for each violation. But the total period of additional prison time imposed by the parole board for violations under close control shall not exceed one half of the defendant stated prison term. If the defendant is convicted of a felony committed while under close base control, the court having jurisdiction, the new felony may return the defendant to prison under this case for an additional period of time as authorized by law and any prison term for the new felony may be served consecutively with the expansion of prison time in this case. If the court imposes additional prison time in this case, the defendant shall be credited with any additional prison imposed by the pro board for the same violation.

[01:31:28]The court has considered the defendant's present and future ability to pay financial sanctions. The court is ordered to pay restitution in the amount of zero. No fine will be assessed. All court costs uh prosecution are waved.

[01:31:41]Pursuant to 29 RC 2901.07, The defendant's order to submit to the collection of a DNA specimen and uh the defendant will be remanded the custody of the sheriff of Delaware County for transportation to the institutions controlled by the department of rehabilitation and correction of the state of Ohio.

[01:32:00]Anything further regarding the sentencing hearing from the state of Ohio?

[01:32:05]>> Anything further regarding sentencing hearing from the defense?

[01:32:11]>> No, you're not.

[01:32:18]Therefore, this sentence here is concluded. Thank you.

[01:32:31]>> Okay, that was >> Yeah.

[01:32:51]You get everything fast. So >> you interrupt me.

[01:33:03]I'm sorry.

[01:33:08]County police judge for that. I was a judge of the whistle. And then on January 1st, 2014, my wife took my job.

[01:33:21]>> She's still on the bench. This is her last year. She'll be seven. She'll be 72 this year. She can't run again.

[01:33:36]>> 29 years. Who are you? I'm sorry. You are