Lacey Lucille Rutherford, a 29-year-old woman from Hamilton, Ohio, tragically passed away on June 18, 2014, at her residence. Born on March 3, 1985, Lacey was the daughter of Alfred and Robin Rutherford. She is survived by her parents, two sons, Maxwell Petry and Tyson Petry, and three siblings. Lacey was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, and friend.
The circumstances surrounding Lacey's death are deeply tragic and involved her father, Alfred "Ike" Rutherford. On the night of June 18, 2014, a heated argument erupted in the family home over a missing handgun that Lacey was suspected of pawning for drugs. The argument escalated, and Alfred Rutherford, armed with a shotgun, shot Lacey in the head. He then shot her boyfriend, Steven Watkins, who was present in the home. The incident occurred during a children's sleepover, and several children, including Lacey's young son, witnessed the shootings.
Alfred Rutherford fled the scene but was arrested without incident nearly nine hours later. He later admitted to the killings and was charged with aggravated murder and murder. In a plea deal to avoid the death penalty, Rutherford pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. The plea deal also spared a young witness from having to testify in court.
The case highlighted the devastating impact of drug-related issues on families and the community. Prosecutor Mike Gmoser noted that the family's troubles were exacerbated by heroin use, which played a significant role in the events leading up to the tragic shooting. The loss of Lacey Rutherford left a profound impact on her family and the community, and her memory continues to be honored by those who knew and loved her.
Lacey's story serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching consequences of addiction and the importance of addressing such issues within families and communities.
