Austin Tyler Hensley, an 18-year-old male of Caucasian ethnicity from Ross, Ohio, tragically passed away on January 30, 2018. He was a junior at Ross High School and had plans to enlist in the United States Army after graduation. Austin was known for his love of animals and spending time outdoors with his family.
The cause of Austin's death was a gunshot wound to the head.
He was found in a house with a shotgun lying against his temple, but it was later determined that the shotgun was not loaded. The incident occurred during a robbery attempt by Zachary Welsh, a 17-year-old fellow Ross High School student. Welsh initially claimed self-defense but later admitted to intending to rob Austin of the shotgun. During the altercation, the gun went off, resulting in Austin's death.
Zachary Welsh was charged with murder, aggravated robbery, felonious assault, and tampering with evidence. He eventually pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, aggravated robbery, and tampering with evidence. Welsh received a 30-year prison sentence as part of a plea agreement.
The case drew significant attention due to Welsh's criminal history, which included charges of domestic violence, making terroristic threats, and harassment. Despite his troubled past, Welsh's defense attorney argued that he had a form of autism, which led to competency evaluations and a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. However, the court determined that Welsh was competent to stand trial and rejected the insanity plea.
Austin Hensley's death left a profound impact on his family, friends, and the community. His loved ones remember him fondly for his caring nature and the joy he brought to those around him.
