Judge Acquits Whitewater Twp. Man Who Fatally Shot Home Intruder

Johnathan Heard is a free man after winning a jury trial this week.

Johnathan Heard was acquitted of murder and other charges during a Hamilton County bench trial on August 5, 2019. Photo by Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

(Hamilton County, Oh.) - A Whitewater Township man accused of murder after an intruder entered his home has been acquitted after a trial in Hamilton County.

Johnathan Heard, 38, called 911 last December 12 to report he shot an intruder at his home on State Route 128 near Cilley Road. The man who died at the scene was Andrew Naegele, 26, of Butler County.

Prosecutors charged Heard with murder after investigators learned Naegele was Heard’s drug dealer. Naegele, who police identified as a member of the Iron Horsemen motorcycle gang, had allegedly come to the home to collect money owed for methamphetamine.

Heard took his case to a bench trial in July. On Monday, July 5, he was acquitted of all six counts he faces, including murder, attempted murder, and felonious assault.

RELATED STORIES:

Whitewater Township Homeowner Charged With Murder After Shooting, Killing Intruder

Resident Shoots, Kills Drug Dealer In His Home

 

 

More from Local News

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.
Rating *

Events

Dearborn Community Foundation in Top Philanthropic Tier Nationally

Receives national reaccreditation for rigorous standards

Emergency Responders Called to Serious Accident in Sunman

UPDATE: the accident has been cleared

Rushville Native Wins Lions Pride 5K to Kickoff 2026 SIRC

Four more events will be held locally to support cross country programs

PHOTOS: Four Local Athletes Compete at 2026 USA Games

All four performed well for Team Indiana

IATCCC Announces 2026 Academic All-State Teams

Several local student athletes earned All-State honors.

On Air

Carrie Underwood Last Name 18:34
Brantley Gilbert and LINDSEY ELL What Happens In A Small Town 18:31
Blake Shelton Happy Anywhere 18:25
Jana Kramer Why You Wanna 18:21