Mansfield Times

Murder Charges Filed in County Road 1153 Death Investigation

On September 2, 2022, the Ashland Fire Department and Ashland County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence located at 1272 County Road 1153. Deputies with the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office located a male, identified as Jason Gardner, age 39, deceased in the garage of apparent gunshot wounds.

Another male, identified as Stanley Gardner, age 71, was in a bedroom and subsequently transported by the Ashland Fire Department to UH Samaritan Hospital for medical treatment. The Ashland County Coroner’s Office and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation were called to the scene.

The scene was processed and evidence relevant to the investigation was collected. Jason Gardner’s remains were transferred to the Cuyahoga County Coroner’s Office for autopsy.

At a bond hearing held today in the Ashland County Court of Common Pleas, Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell told the Court: “At this time the evidence indicates that Stanley Gardner shot his son, Jason Gardner to death in the garage of their shared residence. The number of shots fired will be determined by the Cuyahoga County Coroner’s Office as part of their autopsy protocol.

Stanley Gardner then wrote a note which indicated he had taken Jason Gardner’s life. Stanley Gardner then attempted to take his own life by means other than a firearm which, combined with pre-existing medical ailments, resulted in his condition which was observed by Ashland Fire Personnel.

Investigators did not find any evidence of a struggle or physical altercation within the residence.”

After being released from UH Samaritan on September 7, Stanley Gardner was taken into custody by the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office in connection with the investigation.

A complaint was filed on September 9, in Ashland County Common Pleas Court, charging Stanley Gardner with one count of Murder. The complaint alleges that on or about September 1, 2022 through September 2, 2022, Stanley Gardner did purposely cause the death of Jason Gardner. The murder charge is an unclassified felony which carries a mandatory prison term of life with parole eligibility after 15 years. The investigation remains ongoing.

Prosecutor Tunnell stated, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gardner family.

This situation is a tragedy for all involved. Law Enforcement is duty bound to uphold the law, and ensure that it applies to everyone equally. The men and women of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, as well as our partner agencies, are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding this event and I’m confident that justice will be served accordingly.”

As with all criminal cases, Stanley Gardner is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Original source found here.