Defendant in child sex case shoots himself to death

Miami County Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey Welbaum waited 15 minutes before ordering Conrad’s arrest for failure to appear.

Initially charged with felony sexual battery involving a 13-year-old girl, Conrad used an Alford plea, in which the accused maintains innocence and admits to a lesser charge to avoid possible conviction on a more serious one.

Investigators said Conrad was acquainted with the girl and they corresponded via the Internet. The incidents occurred between October 2008 and July 2009.

Conrad shot himself about 2:20 a.m. in a grassy area near Old Springfield Road and Main Street, Detective Jeff Smith said. A note was left at the home of friends.