Jerald L. Myers, a 65-year-old man from Urbana, Ohio, tragically passed away on May 25, 2014, in his residence. He was a Vietnam War veteran who enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, watching NASCAR racing, and Ohio State Football and basketball games. His death was initially investigated as a homicide.
Christopher L. Myers, Jerald's 38-year-old son, was arrested and charged with two counts of murder and felonious assault in connection with his father's death. Christopher was initially taken into custody for actions he took against his brother, Brian Myers, during the discovery of their father's body. The forensic autopsy revealed that Jerald Myers suffered multiple serious injuries, including blunt-force head trauma, facial lacerations, and bruising on the neck.
In December 2014, Christopher Myers pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, complicity to tampering with evidence, and two counts of having weapons while under disability. He faced a potential 20-year prison sentence. Additionally, Matthew Kerns, a 14-year veteran of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and Christopher's cousin, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted obstructing official business related to the case.
The investigation into Jerald Myers' death revealed a complex and tragic family dynamic, with Christopher Myers having a history of domestic violence charges. The case highlighted the challenges and emotional toll that such incidents can have on families and communities.
Jerald Myers' death marked the first homicide in Urbana in more than two years, and the community was shocked by the events that transpired. The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Urbana Police Department and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
The case concluded with Christopher Myers being sentenced to prison, bringing some measure of justice for Jerald Myers and his family. The incident remains a somber reminder of the impact of domestic violence and the importance of addressing such issues within families and communities.
