Kevin D. Votaw, a 64-year-old man from Springfield, OH, was tragically shot to death in his home on November 6, 2022. The incident occurred around 9 p.m. at his residence on Willis Avenue. Kevin Votaw, who was retired from Navistar, was found dead in his living room with an unknown number of gunshot wounds.
The suspect in this case is Kevin's son, Benjamin Adam Votaw, a 41-year-old U.S. Army veteran from Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Benjamin was visiting his father to introduce him to his girlfriend when the incident occurred. According to the police report, Benjamin claimed he shot his father in self-defense after Kevin allegedly pulled a gun on him and his girlfriend. However, the investigation revealed no firearm near Kevin Votaw's body.
Benjamin Votaw was arrested early the next morning after he surrendered to the police. He was later indicted on charges of aggravated murder, murder, and felonious assault. In October 2023, Benjamin pleaded no contest to murder with a firearm specification and was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison, with an additional mandatory 3 years for the gun specification.
The case drew significant attention due to the unusual circumstances, including Benjamin's decision to get married to his girlfriend before his plea and sentencing. Clark County Prosecutor Dan Driscoll stated that it appeared to be a result of family issues that had built up over time.
Kevin Votaw's death has left a lasting impact on his friends and family, who have shared messages of condolences and memories on social media. The Springfield community continues to remember him as a kind and dedicated individual who contributed significantly to his workplace and community.
