The first of three suspects in the shooting death of Ohio State student Christopher Gerspacher was sentenced Friday in Delaware County.
As earlier reported by The Lantern, Patrick Brunty, 37, of Orient, Ohio, was initially charged with one count of aggravated murder, two counts of conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery, and aggravated robbery.
According to local media, Brunty will be eligible for parole after serving 20 years of his life sentence. He will also serve an additional, consecutive five years for guilty pleas on a gun violation and conspiracy to aggravated robbery. Brunty avoided the death penalty by accepting the joint sentencing agreement.
Brunty shot Gerspacher because of a bad drug deal with Eric Spar, another defendant in the case. Brunty told investigators Gerspacher was carrying 20 pounds of marijuana, and he needed money for Christmas.
Michael Roskuski, 34, of Delaware, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder. Roskuski said he provided the gun to Spar which was used in the slaying. He also said he knew the gun might be used in a robbery or shooting.
As reported by The Lantern, Spar was charged with two counts of aggravated murder, two counts of conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery and aggravated robbery and hiring Brunty to commit murder. The prosecutors will seek the death penalty against Spar, and his trial will begin on Jan. 13. Brunty and Roskuski have both agreed to testify against Spar during the trial.
Gerspacher, a senior in history, was reported missing on Dec. 22, 2001. He was killed by a gunshot to the back of the head. His body was found in Delaware County near Alum Creek Reservoir on Jan. 29.
– compiled by Amanda Wurst
