An man has been indicted on multiple charges in Ashtabula County for his role in the shooting death of a hunter last November.
Darrell Shepard was indicted on eight counts, including involuntary manslaughter, hunting without permission, having weapons while under disability, and injuring persons or property while hunting.
On November 27, 2017, 62-year-old Randy Lee Gozzard of St. Petersburg, FL. was hunting with three other people in Monroe Township near the dead-end of Horton Road. The investigation found that Shepard was unlawfully hunting in the same area as Gozzard and his party.
Shepard had a warrant in place for his arrest prior to the date of shooting for failing to appear in a pending criminal case. Authorities finally arrested him on December 18, 2017, at a residence in Pierpont Township. They also found guns at the residence. Shepard was not permitted to be in possession of any firearms.
Shepard admitted to authorities that he was hunting at the same area that Gozzard was at on November 27. He also told investigators that he discovered Gozzard's body and failed to report the shooting death to the police. Shepard further identified the shotgun that he used while hunting as being one of the firearms seized on December 18. The Bureau of Criminal Investigation analyzed the gun and it was determined to be operable and to match the 12-gauge shell found at the scene of the shooting.
Ashtabula County Prosecutor Nicholas Iarocci plans to seek a high bond for Shepard at his arraignment since he is considered 'a significant flight risk.'