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

UPDATE: Bridge Inspection on Carroll Cropper Bridge Scheduled to Begin Monday

The contractor has updated the working hours for this inspection

Trump Accounts Offer Long-term Savings for Kids

Once a child turns 18, they can use the money for college, career readiness or even a down payment on a house

12-Year-Old Passes Away from Injuries Sustained in July 6 Crash

The NKY crash claimed two lives and left two others injured

Hoosier State Relays Creates Charitable Giving Foundation

Over the years, local student athletes have competed at Indiana’s most prestigious Indoor Track & Field Competition

Ardis Wins Trojan Trot 5K

The second of five Southeastern Indiana Racing Circuit events

IHSBCA Announces 2026 Academic All-State Team

Five local players earned the prestigious honor.

On Air

Rick Bernius playing
Reba McEntire - One Promise Too Late

Tracy Lawrence Find Out Who Your Friends Are 16:08
Hunter Hayes I Want Crazy 16:04
Chris Janson Me & A Beer 16:01
Fox News Fox News National Newscast 16:00