ATHENS, OHIO – On Friday, May 5, 2023, a jury in Athens County Common Pleas Court found Justin Pennington, a 37-year-old man from Guysville, guilty of murder and other charges relating to the death of Blaine Sharpe in June 2021. Pennington was also convicted of the felonious assault of Heather Irwin.
Pennington was found guilty of murder, involuntary manslaughter, breaking and entering, and felonious assault, following a four-day trial. The verdict was met with appreciation from Athens County Prosecutor Keller Blackburn, who expressed gratitude towards the jury and the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.
Pennington is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Patrick Lang on May 25 at 10 a.m.