After deliberating for less than an hour, an Allen County jury decides a man is guilty of murdering his brother.
Judge Richard Warren sentencing James Ream to a mandatory 15 years to life sentence for killing his brother Ronald Ream.
James Ream was also sentenced to three additional years for a gun charge. However, before sentencing began, family members had the chance to share how this crime has changed them.
Two of his own children spoke against him, and two of Ronald Reams children also gave a victim impact statement. However, James Ream interrupted them multiple times proclaiming his innocence but also putting his hands in the air and telling Judge Warren to give him the death penalty.
Ream shot his brother seven times, on October 17th of last year, in the Shawnee Township home they shared. The next day, Ream confessed, telling Allen County Sheriff's deputies and detectives he shot his brother in self defense. However, the jury did not buy that argument.
Evidence was presented over two and a half days in court. After the verdict, Ream told Judge Warren he is innocent and plans to appeal the decision.
On a side note, a juror was replaced earlier in the day. She was sent home after fainting during testimony from a medical examiner who was showing graphic pictures of the autopsy.
