Z-ville Man Gets Life In Prison

A Zanesville Man, found guilty in connection to the 2012 double homicide of Christopher Morrison and Justain Nelson, was sentenced at 10:00 A.M. Friday morning during a hearing in Guernsey County Common Pleas Court.

23-year-old Deondre Crosby was given two life in prison sentences to be served congruently with possibility of parole after 25 to 30 years by Judge David Ellwood. A mandatory three-year prison term for firearm specification conviction was also ordered by Judge Ellwood.

Prior to Crosby’s sentencing Mr. Morrison’s sister and a statement read on behalf of Mr. Nelsons mother spoke of their forgiveness and hope for the future, while Crosby’s defense attorney talked of his redeemable qualities. Judge Ellwood said he was “appropriately moved” by the testimony, but must make sentencing decisions based on facts.

“The young man that has been presented to the court is accurate. But, it is also accurate that from age 14 to 21 you have been an adjudicated delinquent” said Judge Ellwood in reference to Crosby’s past and current convictions.

Crosby was not sentenced on convictions for aggravated robbery and aggravated burglary as the counts were merged with the aggravated murder charge for sentencing purposes. Crosby is required to pay restitution to the families of the victims in total of $18,631.26.

Crosby was convicted earlier this week of aggravated murder with a gun specification, complicity to aggravated murder, aggravated robbery and aggravated burglary.

The incident happened June 24th 2012 at Coventry Estate Apartments in Cambridge. Guernsey County Prosecutor Dan Padden says he has now convicted six of six individuals in this case.