Shafer to Remain in Prison

Nearly 10,000 people signed a petition organized by the Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office to keep a convicted murderer behind bars.

Earlier this month, the Ohio Parole Board voted to deny the early release of Billy Shafer.

In February of 1993, Shafer murdered 5-year-old Sara West in her home. Shafer had volunteered to babysit the night she was shot and dismembered.

Shafer confessed to investigators he had murdered Sara and had fantasized about killing someone. Shafer is legally eligible for parole every ten years.