Prosecutor Petitions Public Participation

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office is asking the public to sign a petition that would keep a convicted murderer behind bars.

Muskingum County Prosecutor Ron Welch said the state is reviewing the case of Billy J. Shafer, who murdered and dismembered 5-year-old Sara West in 1993.

“When Mr. Shafer was initially sentenced, he was sentenced to life without parole,” Welch said. “However due to changes in Ohio law, the fact is he now has the opportunity to be paroled. Mr. Shafer is a monster. He should never walk free. The idea that he could be set free by individuals who face no consequences from election, they’re appointed board members, should be terrifying.” 

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Parole Board will vote later this week on whether to keep Shafer imprisoned and will consider public opposition to early parole.

“If Billy Shafer were to serve one day outside of a prison, it would be a slap in the face to the family of Sara West. This family has been through hell and have to go through this process every so often, so that Mr. Shafer can be entertained with the idea of parole is unacceptable. They shouldn’t have to go through it,” Welch said. 

You can access the petition by visiting muskingumprosecutor.org/petition/.