Man gets 14 years for trying to kill ex-girlfriend

STAFF REPORT

LISBON — A man has been sentenced to 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 Friday in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court.

Merritt was one of four prisoners who escaped from the jail 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.

Tammie Riley, an assistant county prosecutor’s office, said the woman has scars on her head and other parts of her body from the attack. The victim had broken off their relationship.

The victim said before sentencing, “I forgive you. It’s up to you to forgive yourself.”

Merritt said he had become involved in drugs and has said he has no recollection of the attack. He also had been charged in other cases with theft and forgery.

Riley said the charges will total 14 years.

Others who were involved in the escape were:

UMark Foden, 38, of East Liverpool, who was sentenced to a total of four years for escape, theft of the getaway car and possession of drugs.

UJohn T. Hamilton, 21, of Salem, who was sentenced to two one-year terms in prison for theft and escape.

UMelissa McCulley, 26, of Salineville, who is awaiting sentencing on charges of complicity to escape, burglary, and breaking and entering.

UJason Heffner, 26, of East Liverpool, who also is awaiting sentencing. He is facing charges of burglary, attempted theft, breaking and entering, and receiving stolen property.