Fate of Ohio child murderer decided by parole board after signatures collected

ZANESVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) — The fate of a brutal child killer who was up for early release last month has been decided.

The Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office announced that Billy J. Shafer, 47, will remain imprisoned for at least a decade until he is eligible for parole again. In a news release, the office said nearly 10,000 people signed a public petition to keep Shafer behind bars.

“The number of people who signed this petition shows how important this case was, and still is, in this community,” Prosecutor Ron Welch said. “Our office also appreciates the media outlets who reported on this story. Their understanding of the importance of this case allowed us to reach a much larger number of people.”

After the public's signatures were delivered, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Parole Board voted to deny Shafer’s early release on Oct. 16. Community opposition to a murderer's release is required to be considered in the board's decision.

Shafer's crime took place in 1993. After offering to babysit, he killed Sara West in her home. After murdering the 5-year-old girl, Shafer confessed to investigators that he shot her in the head and cut her body into pieces.

According to the prosecutor's office, Shafer received a sentence of 20 years to life, plus three years on a gun specification. Currently, the parole board will hear his case every 10 years. Welch said the prosecutor’s office will oppose Shafer’s release “until the day Shafer dies.”

Welch also noted that the outpouring of community support and local media demonstrated how Shafer’s case stands out in people’s minds.

“Billy Shafer should never breathe free air again,” Welch said. “He should die in prison, and even that isn’t justice enough for Sara West.”