Randy Freels, 57, pleaded no contest in county Common Pleas Court to charges of murder, tampering with evidence, felonious assault and two firearms specifications as part of a plea deal. A charge of improper discharge of a firearm will be dismissed at sentencing scheduled for July 17.
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The deal also included a recommended prison term of 18 years to life for Freels, a recommendation to which Judge Jeannine Pratt said she is not bound.
Prosecutors also agreed to return to Freels' family property confiscated following the death — except for items used in the criminal offenses.
More than 40 firearms were seized from the Freels' home following the slaying, Sheriff Dave Duchak said during the investigation.
FACTS OF THE CASE
Freels answered questions by Pratt during Thursday's hearing but made no further comment. Before Pratt found Freels guilty, she asked Kendell to detail what evidence would have been presented at trial, which was scheduled to begin June 12.
Kendell said two witnesses saw Samantha Freels helping her husband up an embankment off Ohio 55 after his truck had gone off the road. They saw the couple get into her car.
A short time later, passersby saw that car in the overgrown and flooded Ludlow Creek area nearby. Samantha Freels was found inside.
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Detectives found the gun in the creek days after the death. It had Randy Freels' DNA on the trigger and handle. Gun powder residue was found on his coat.
"He was known to carry this gun on a regular basis," Kendell told the court.
Public Defender Jack Hemm, representing Freels, said, "We do not object to those statements."
Judge Pratt, who was told Tuesday that Freels intended to plead guilty, ruled May 14 that he was competent for trial and was sane at the time of the killing. The rulings followed forensic and competency evaluations ordered from the Forensic Psychiatric Center for Western Ohio in Dayton.
Freels remains in the county jail on $1.5 million bail.
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