BATAVIA, Ohio — A man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in the shooting deaths of his three young sons at their Ohio home last year.
A Clermont County judge sentenced Chad Doerman, 33, on Friday to three consecutive life terms after he pleaded guilty to aggravated murder charges. He was also sentenced to another 16 years on two felonious assault charges for injuring his former wife and his stepdaughter.
Prosecutor Mark Tekulve had originally vowed to seek the death penalty in the June 15, 2023, murders of Clayton Doerman, 7, Hunter Doerman, 4, and Chase Doerman, 3, in Monroe Township, about 75 miles (120 kilometers) west of Columbus.
But on Friday he cited the trauma that the surviving family members “experienced that day and continue to experience on a daily basis.”
“My job, as I saw it this week, was to relieve them of that additional agony,” he told reporters Friday.
Prosecutors earlier said that Doerman, who was taken into custody after he was found sitting on a stoop at the home, admitted to having planned the killings and chased down one of the boys in a field after the child tried to flee. Defense attorneys had argued that he was struggling with severe mental illness.
Laura Doerman, the children’s mother and the ex-wife of the defendant, wept as a prosecutor read a statement in court from her saying her life had been “ripped away from me and destroyed.”
“I would do anything to push them on the swing, cover them up one more time and hear their little ways of saying, ‘I love you,’” she said. “… I have anger, frustration and so much sadness. Grief will never go away because it is all the love that is left with no place to go.”
In another statement issued through prosecutors after the sentencing, she said that she was in “full agreement” with the resolution of the case.
“No punishment will ever bring my boys back,” she wrote. “Having a guarantee that he will spend the rest of his life behind bars is what is best for my family.”
The prosecutor said he plans to reveal more details about the case at a news conference Monday. Laura Doerman thanked prosecutors and first responders and asked for privacy, saying she and the family “grieve every day” for the boys. She also asked, however, that people remember the children as they were before the events of that day.
“Remember them as the three little boys who loved fishing, go-carting, and swimming,” she said. “Remember them as the little boys who were always at the baseball fields or running around outside. Remember them as the boys who love to have fun and were inseparable from one another.”
An Ohio man has been sentenced to life in prison for the horrific murder of his three young sons at their home in April of last year. The man, whose name has not been released to protect the privacy of the victims, was found guilty of three counts of first-degree murder after a trial that lasted several weeks.
The tragic incident shocked the community and left many wondering how such a heinous crime could have occurred. According to reports, the man had been going through a difficult divorce with his wife and was struggling with mental health issues at the time of the murders. Despite these challenges, the man’s actions were inexcusable and have left a lasting impact on all those involved.
The sentencing of the man to life in prison serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and untreated mental illness. It also highlights the importance of early intervention and support for individuals who may be experiencing similar struggles. By addressing these issues proactively, we can help prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety and well-being of families in our communities.
In the wake of this heartbreaking case, it is crucial that we come together as a society to support those who are in need and to raise awareness about the warning signs of domestic violence and mental health issues. By speaking out and offering assistance to those who are struggling, we can help prevent further acts of violence and ensure that all individuals have access to the resources they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
As we reflect on this tragic event, let us remember the three young boys whose lives were cut short far too soon. May their memory serve as a reminder of the importance of love, compassion, and understanding in our interactions with others. And may we all work together to create a safer and more supportive world for all members of our community.
