A violent late-night assault inside a Columbiana County home has ended with a decades-long prison sentence, after a woman survived what she described as a sustained attempt on her life involving a bat, strangulation, and fire. The case, which unfolded last summer, culminated Friday as a judge imposed a term far exceeding prosecutors’ recommendation.
COLUMBIANA, OH – Frederick L. Harroff, 66, was sentenced Friday to a minimum of 39 years in prison, with the possibility of serving up to 44 and a half years, after pleading guilty to attempted murder, aggravated arson, felonious assault, kidnapping, and strangulation. The sentence was handed down by Columbiana County Common Pleas Court Judge Scott Washam.
The charges stem from a June 2, 2025 attack that began shortly after 10 p.m., when the victim was lying in bed. According to courtroom testimony, Harroff returned to the home after leaving earlier, made threats, and began beating his ex-wife with a wooden baseball bat.
Victim recounts hour-long fight for survival
The woman told the court the assault escalated beyond the initial beating. She testified that Harroff placed a rope around her neck, attempted to strangle her with his hands, and tried to restrain her before setting the home on fire.
“An entire hour, I fought for my life,” she said.
She also recalled the threat made as the attack began: “I have nothing to live for, you’re not going to live either,” and, “I’m going to burn this place down and we’re both going to die.”
Despite severe injuries, the woman managed to escape through a back door and reach a neighbor’s home. Responding officers later found a blood-soaked bed and a rope at the scene. Harroff was located in nearby woods roughly 100 yards from his trailer on Columbiana-Lisbon Road, with blood and burn marks visible when he was arrested.
Judge cites severity in exceeding sentencing recommendation
Prosecutors had recommended a sentence ranging from 20 to 25 and a half years. Judge Washam imposed a significantly longer term after hearing testimony from the victim and her family.
“His conduct was truly vicious and horrific,” Washam said.
During the hearing, the victim described lasting emotional and physical impact, calling Harroff “an evil, cruel, malicious monster” and stating, “He has shown no remorse.”
Harroff addressed the court, expressing regret but claiming limited memory of the incident. “I never wanted to see her hurt,” he said. “I take responsibility for everything that happened that night. I don’t remember all that happened. I was not in my right mind.”
In determining the sentence, the court noted Harroff’s military service, steady work history, mental health issues, and lack of prior criminal record. “Unfortunately that changed dramatically on June 2, 2025,” Washam said.
Family members also spoke, emphasizing the victim’s survival and resilience. “He did not win,” the woman’s niece said. “He did not break her and he did not break us.”
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