Adam Saleh was found guilty Wednesday of the murder of former Ohio State student Julie Popovich and sentenced to 38 years to life in prison by Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Daniel T. Hogan, according to local media.
It took the jury about a day to convict Saleh, 20, who was accused of killing Popovich several hours after meeting her at Ledo’s Lounge on Aug. 11, 2005.
During testimony Friday and Monday, Saleh denied having murdered Popovich, saying he left the bar with a friend and was at home vomiting after excessive drinking at the time of her death.
A former cellmate and an undercover police officer testified Monday that Saleh asked them to fabricate an alibi to clear him of the murder.
Franklin County workers mowing near a bean field close to Hoover Reservoir found the body of the 20-year-old Popovich about three weeks after her disappearance. Dental records and DNA evidence were used to identify the decomposing body.
Saleh was also found guilty of kidnapping, attempted rape and tampering with evidence, according to local media.
Tim Hoffine can be reached at [email protected].
