Rader stood emotionless beside his defense attorney Lawrence Hawkins III when Judge Michael Sage read the jury’s verdict. In addition to the murder charge, he was found guilty of tampering with evidence and obstructing justice.
Rader turned to Huff’s family members, including his father and sister, and offered an apology before hearing his prison term.
“To the family, I would like to say I am sorry for the loss of Michael Huff,” Rader said. “I wish I could do something to bring him back, but I can’t. I am sorry.”
Amy Metzger Rader, Jason’s wife, sobbed and told the judge her husband is a good man.
“I want you to know he is a good dad, he is a gentle man ... an excellent husband,” she said. “This is a fight that went terribly wrong.”
Huff’s sister, Kim Deaton, spoke for the family, telling the judge her brother was a wonderful person and a favorite among his nieces and nephews.
Sage said, “my heart goes out to the family. ... There is noting I can do as a court that will ever replace the loss of his life.”
Huff suffered 47 injuries, including a lacerated kidney, and a broken neck and arm during a beating at Rader’s Millville Avenue home in Hamilton.
Bryan Hodge, 28, of Hamilton, who is charged with murder and tampering with evidence is scheduled to stand trial next month.
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