Gwen Rummell Reporting –
Gavin Kurtz, who was involved in an October 2023 drive by shooting on East High Avenue, was sentenced Tuesday.
A vehicle full of individuals, including Kurtz, were allegedly drinking, smoking THC, and possibly under the effects of methamphetamines when they made the decision to shoot at an individual. Kurtz had plead guilty to charges of attempted murder, felonious assault, and improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle.
Prosecutor Ryan Styer said the state would like to see the firearm specifications merge, as well as, the attempted murder and felonious assault charges. A recommended sentence was given for 13 years with a four-year tail.
Kurtz attorney, Dan Guinn, spoke about a letter sent to Judge Michael J. Ernest from Gavin Kurtz.
“What really stood out to me beyond apologizing to the victims, he was sorry for his co-defendants for taking years of their life from them. I mean, to me that’s amazing, his co-defendants were the ones who came up with this idea. Most people would be blaming the co-defendants, but not my client. He even [said] in the last paragraph, ‘I’m not writing this in hopes of a lighter sentence, rather for bringing peace to myself and others.”
After offered an opportunity by Judge Ernest, Kurtz’s mother spoke and he followed.
“I just want to apologize for even bringing this here today. It was as simple as me not pulling that trigger and we wouldn’t be here. I want to apologize to the victims for putting them in that state of fear.”
Judge Ernest decided on a sentence of 11 to 14 years at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections. Post release community control will be imposed for up to five years, but no less than two. Kurtz’s firearm used in the incident will also be forfeited.
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