East Liverpool man sentenced for attempted murder, escape

LISBON — A man has been sentenced to a total of 14 years in prison for trying to kill his former girlfriend and escaping from the Columbiana County Jail.

William Merritt, 40, of East Liverpool, was sentenced today in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court.

Merritt was one of four prisoners who escaped from the jail on the night of Aug. 17. They and an accomplice were recaptured a day later near Pittsburgh.

Merritt was charged with attempted murder and aggravated robbery after he entered the East Liverpool home of his former girlfriend on July 8 and stabbed her in the head and chest with a knife while she was in bed.

For the complete story, see Saturday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com