Convict seeks shock probation

A co-defendant served a six-month jail term.

STAFF REPORT

WARREN — Judge Andrew Logan of Trumbull County Common Pleas Court is expected to rule in the next week on whether to grant shock probation to a former Warren man who pleaded guilty in April to involuntary manslaughter in a 1979 killing.

Ronald Stahlman, 56, incarcerated in Lorain Correctional Institution since May 1, asked the court to be released after six months in jail.

Stahlman fled the area, assumed a new name and lived in the western United States for 30 years after the crime until police located him in Payson, Ariz., in December.

Stahlman was on trial for murder in the death of 18-year-old Bernard Williamson when he agreed to plead guilty to the lesser charge and was sentenced to one to 10 years in prison.

A motion filed by his attorney, Tracey Laslo, says Stahlman should be released because “the lesson to be learned ... has been accomplished” and Stahlman was never in any trouble during the 30 years between the April 29, 1979, crime and his arrest.

The written response from Chris Becker, an assistant county prosecutor, was “essentially every day for 30 years, the defendant was committing a crime by being a fugitive from justice.”

He added: “The defendant should not be rewarded for his ability to change his identity, work under the table for cash and avoid paying taxes, inculpating his family in his fugitive lifestyle, avoiding justice ... and causing the victim’s family undue hardship by delaying and then having to relive their loved-one’s death for 30 years.”

During sentencing March 8, Stahlman admitted to having been at the crime scene but said Williamson’s death was “beyond my control.”

Becker has said he “can’t venture a guess” as to whether Stahlman or co-defendant Roger Collins was responsible for Williamson’s fatal stab wounds.

Williamson was found dead at Main Avenue and Fulton Street Southwest after he got into a fight with Collins and Stahlman. Collins admitted 30 years ago being in a fight with Williamson and spent six months in jail for assault and obstructing justice.

If Judge Logan denies probation for Stahlman, the Ohio Parole Board will decide how many of the one to 10 years Stahlman will serve.