Branden Doseck, a 16-year-old male from Jackson Center, Ohio, tragically passed away on December 27, 2015, at Mary Rutan Hospital Emergency Department. He was born on March 13, 1999, to Robert and Amy Ward, and was a student at Jackson Center High School. Branden enjoyed football, baseball, fishing, and swimming. He was also employed at the Haunted Orchard and Overbey Recycling.
The circumstances surrounding Branden's death involved a party at the home of Evan John Hoffman, a
20-year-old from Bloom Center, Logan County. Hoffman claimed self-defense after Branden allegedly threatened him and kicked in a door during the party. Hoffman shot Branden in the lower chest with a deer slug at close range. Branden did not have a weapon at the time. The shooting led to Hoffman's arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.
In August 2016, Hoffman pleaded guilty to reckless homicide and was sentenced to five years in prison. Additionally, Hoffman faced charges related to underage drinking and having sex with a minor, which were also connected to the investigation of the party. He received an additional six months in jail for these charges and was required to register as a Tier 2 sex offender for 25 years.
The case drew significant attention due to the circumstances of the party and the legal arguments surrounding self-defense. Branden's family expressed their grief and frustration, emphasizing that Branden was not there to cause harm and that Hoffman's actions were ultimately responsible for the tragic outcome.
Branden's death left a profound impact on his family, friends, and community, who remembered him for his love of sports and his kind-hearted nature.
