Judge Acquits Whitewater Twp. Man Who Fatally Shot Home Intruder

Friday, August 9, 2019 at 7:09 AM

By Mike Perleberg @mikedup84

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.

Resident Shoots, Kills Drug Dealer In His Home

Events

Al-Anon Meeting
Help for Friends and Family of a problem drinker. You know what it is doing to them, do you know what it is doing to you?
Jan 18, 2026 at Hamline Chapel United Methodist Church
MILAN VFW BINGO
Bingo every Tuesday
Jan 20, 2026 at Milan Vfw Post6234
Chakra Connection Meditation Class
Learn about the 7 major chakras with Jenny Flannery. These energy centers are believed to influence physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Jan 21, 2026 at Lawrenceburg Public Library