VINTON COUNTY, Ohio — A community outraged after a confessed murderer is set to receive a “light” sentence for killing two people in Vinton County.
August Schuetz, 34, pleaded guilty to two counts of Voluntary Manslaughter in connection with the murders of Jori Brown and Lawerence McMichael. The Vinton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting on Frazee Lane in March 2022, where the victims were discovered dead.
The sheriff quickly identified Schuetz as a prime suspect and called in the assistance of several law enforcement agencies. Police in Wellston located a vehicle matching the all-points bulletin description, and Schuetz was arrested without incident. Shania Jones, 26, was also charged in connection to the killings.
Vinton County Prosecutor Jim Payne said this week that a plea deal has been struck with Schuetz; in the deal, he could face a minimum of 22 years to a maximum of 27.5 years in prison, plus fines, costs, and 5 years post-release control under the Reagan Tokes law. The judge will determine the final sentence after a pre-sentencing investigation and family members will have the opportunity to provide victim impact statements at the sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for a later date.
The community has expressed outrage at the plea deal, with many taking to social media to denounce it as a travesty of justice. Schuetz’s sentencing will occur at a later date.