Troy teen found guilty of murder

Patrick McGail is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 29 for his role last fall in the death of Nathan Wintrow, 20.

A Miami County jury deliberated 9 ½ hours over two days before finding Troy teen Patrick McGail guilty of murder and other felonies in the Oct. 30 death of Nathan Wintrow, 20, during an invasion of his Canal Street home.

McGail, 18, glanced briefly at jurors before Judge Christopher Gee read their verdicts Thursday afternoon in a filled Common Pleas courtroom.

As Gee announced the verdicts, McGail looked straight ahead.

He faces a maximum sentence of 40 years to life in prison at sentencing Sept. 29 on two counts of murder, one count each of aggravated robbery and aggravated burglary and firearms specifications on each charge. McGail, who had been free on bail, was taken into custody by sheriff’s deputies.

McGail joins Jason Sowers, 17, and Brendon Terrel, 19, also of Troy in convictions in Wintrow’s death. Sentencings are scheduled Monday for Sowers and Terrel.

Witnesses, including the co-defendants, testified during McGail’s trial that began Aug. 5 that the three went to Wintrow’s house late on Oct. 30 with the intention of robbing him of marijuana and money.

Terrel stayed outside while McGail and Sowers broke into the house after finding a locked door. Inside, they were confronted by its occupants and Wintrow was shot in the head by Sowers.

“I think it was a just verdict. I really don’t want to say anything more until after sentencing,” county Prosecutor Tony Kendell said.

Defense lawyer Chris Bucio, who asked the judge to poll each juror to confirm their verdicts, had no immediate comment.

Members of McGail’s family embraced, crying, outside the courtroom. Wintrow’s family and friends said they would withhold comment until sentencing, according to a victim’s advocate

Jurors were escorted from the court by deputies.

Sowers and Terrel made plea deals with prosecutors. As part of the deals, they agreed to testify against McGail.

Sowers pleaded guilty in May to felony murder, aggravated robbery and aggravated burglary with a firearms specification. Terrel pleaded to felony complicity to aggravated robbery, complicity to aggravated burglary and a firearms specification.

About the Author