Ashtabula County couple, 23-year Cord Cox and 25-year-old Betheny Mehall, found shot to death in back of head/James Leider charged with their deaths where Cord and Leider were involved in drugs.

Posted: 02/24/2011
Last Updated: 10 hours and 1 minute ago



JEFFERSON, Ohio - Authorities in Ohio's northeast corner say a man and woman found dead in a parked car had each been shot in the back of the head.

Ashtabula County coroner's investigator Richard Mongell said that preliminary autopsy results show 23-year Cord Cox and 25-year-old Betheny Mehall each died of a single head wound Saturday night.

Investigators say the bodies were found Sunday afternoon in the front seats of the vehicle, left with its engine running at the end of a road in Harpersfield Township, about 45 miles east of Cleveland.

Sheriff William Johnson says deputies are checking surveillance video and cell phone records to try to retrace the couple's movements.

Mehall's family members say in a statement they're "devastated" by her death.

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O-H-I-O.

Feb 24, 7:51 PM EST

JEFFERSON, Ohio (AP) -- An acquaintance was charged Thursday in the deaths of a man and woman each shot in the back of the head and found in a running car at a roadside snow bank.

James Leider, 20, of Geneva, was charged with two counts of aggravated murder.

Leider and one victim, Cord Cox, 23, of Austinburg knew each other and had a history of drug deals, Ashtabula County Prosecutor Thomas Sartini said.

The other victim, Betheny Mehall, 25, of Geneva apparently was killed because she was an eyewitness, Sartini said.

Leider appeared before a judge and was held at the Ashtabula County jail on $5 million bond, according to court clerk Michele Mihalick. A preliminary court hearing will be held next week, she said.

Leider's attorney, Malcolm Douglas, said he cannot comment on a pending case.

Each victim died of a single gunshot to the head Saturday night, the coroner ruled. The bodies were found Sunday when a motorist called authorities about a vehicle parked near a snow bank just south of Interstate 90 in northeast Ohio's winery region, according to Rich Mongell, an investigator with the county coroner's office.

The two had their seat belts on, and the motor and heater were running. The bodies were in the front seats of the vehicle, left at the end of a road in rural Harpersfield Township located between Cleveland and Erie, Pa., Mongell said.

Leider's arrest Thursday resulted from an around-the-clock, five-day investigation involving local, state and federal law enforcement officers, Sheriff William Johnson said.

Court records for Leider in Ashtabula County show two minor traffic cases.

Mehall's funeral will be Friday and Cox's will be Saturday.

The victims were enrolled in nursing programs at separate schools. Mehall had a 4-year-old son.

The victims were believed to be dating, The (Ashtabula) Star-Beacon reported.

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Hmmm...both going to nursing school yet..Cord was allegedly dealing and/or doing drugs and that is why he died. And, poor Bethany lost her life and her four year old son is w/out a mother.

NG has this case on right now. It is NOT live. She is praising Cord, saying he was selling vacuum cleaners door to door to support himself. And, Cord's father is on her program. I wonder what Nancy has to say about Cord now.

What the hail is going on in Ohio of late?

NG don't know about the drug deals?

Well, she knows now, I'm sure. But her show was taped. They just got Leifer today.

Wow I was just watching this on NG. They seemed to think the kids were straight as arrows. Imagine that.

I am sure his dad is broken hearted. He spoke so highly of his son.

Wrapitup wrote:What the hail is going on in Ohio of late?

Actually when I first turned it on I was sure it had happened in VA. They had several shootings like this there.

All unsolved. Of course..it's VA.

IDK but I would bet Betheny had no clue what Cord was up to.

February 24, 2011, 10:35 pm

20-year old James Leider of Geneva, Ohio is facing two charges of aggravated murder. The Ashtabula Sheriff's Office made the announcement at a press conference Thursday afternoon. "The evidence against Mr. Leider is very significant," said Ashtabula County Prosecutor Thomas Sartini. "It includes a statement by him implicating himself in the murder." The victims are identified as 23-year old Cord Cox and 25-year old Betheny Mehall. On Sunday afternoon, they were found in a car along Bishop Road in Harpersfield Township. Both died from a single gunshot wound to the back of the head. According to Sartini, the homicides appear to be drug related. "There was a relationship between the male victim and Mr. Leider, about a history of past drug transactions," said Sartini. "We believe that the female victim was merely the victim, for purposes of collateral damage, with the ability of her to identify Mr. Leider." Leider is currently being held on $5 million bond. If convicted, he faces 25 years to life, without the possibility of parole.

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The Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday the arrest of a Geneva Township man on charges that accuse him of killing Cord Cox and Betheny Mehall.

James P. Leider, 20, of Geneva Township, has been charged with two counts of aggravated murder. Ashtabula County Sheriff William Johnson said the homicides appear to be drug-related and that Leider, Cox and Mehall were familiar with each other.

Johnson declined to elaborate further on the specific circumstances that spurred Leider to allegedly shoot the young couple.

Mehall, 25, of Geneva, and Cox, 23, of Austinburg Township, were discovered dead in a car on Sunday afternoon on Harpersfield Road in Harpersfield Township.

A autopsy conducted by the Ashtabula County Coroner’s Office determined the cause of death to be gunshots to the back of both individuals’ heads.

According to reports, the engine was still running when authorities arrived.

It is believed Leider shot both victims while in the back seat of the vehicle.

He is currently being held in jail on a $5 million bond. If convicted, Johnson said Leider faces the possibility of life in prison with no chance of parole.

According to Johnson, technology from the FBI and Secret Service aided in the investigation. The sheriff firmly believes the department has the evidence necessary to convict Leider.

“I believe we have absolutely everything needed for a concrete case,” he said.

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JEFFERSON, Ohio - Relatives of a northeast Ohio man found shot to death with his girlfriend in a car parked with the engine running say they know the suspect well and had him as a house guest.

James Leider, 20, of Geneva, was charged Thursday with two counts of aggravated murder. He's being held on $5 million bond.

The father of Cord Cox, 23, says the suspect has been their dinner and pool guest. James Cox tells The Ashtabula Star-Beacon his family is devastated that Leider is the suspect.

The family of the other victim, Betheny Mehall, 25, hasn't commented on the arrest.

Authorities think she was killed because she was an eyewitness to her boyfriend's slaying.

Authorities say the motive for the killings was drug-related.

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So very sad! He sounded like a great guy with a lot going for him, but made a bad choice by being involved in the drug scene. BIG mistake. I hope other young people learn from this, and JUST SAY NO!!

charminglane wrote:O-H-I-O.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Why what do you mean charm, O-H-I-O????? :lol: I am going to have to look for a new place to live, I think. I just cannot believe these things happening in Ohio. Don't you have any bad things happening where you live charm, please tell me YES.

D&** Drugs always involved.

Wrapitup wrote:What the hail is going on in Ohio of late?

Wrap, when you find out, let me know? I need to move, but where is the question.

It isnt just Ohio - its everywhere there are drugs
its horrible and its getting worse. Its especially
bad when it comes to prescription drugs.

I agree, Art. I was just saying there have been so many horrific crimes in Ohio right in a row lately. :scratch:

July 11, 2011

JEFFERSON — When Nick Cox learned nearly five months ago that his brother, Cord, had been shot and killed, the second person he called with the news was good friend James Leider, 20, of Geneva.

On Monday afternoon, Leider pleaded guilty to the aggravated murder of Cord Cox, 23, of Austinburg Township, and his 25-year-old girlfriend, Betheny Mehall of Geneva. “You lied straight to my face,” a tearful Nick Cox told Leider.

Following the terms of a negotiated agreement, Common Pleas Court Judge Alfred Mackey immediately sentenced Leider to two consecutive life sentences in prison. He will not be eligible for parole until he has served 25 years on each count. Another three years were added because a gun in the commission of his crime, meaning Leider will not have his first parole hearing until he has served 53 years behind bars.

In exchange for the plea, lesser charges were dismissed and Leider avoided a possible death sentence. At the hearing’s conclusion, he was ushered out of the courtroom by several deputies.

“How tragic, needless and senseless,” Mackey said. “How cruel it is for the families involved. So sad and so cruel.”

The deal was accepted and sentencing announced on the same day a pre-trial hearing had been scheduled in the case. A jury trial was set for late October.

Investigators said the victims were killed on the evening of Feb. 19, their bodies found in the front seats of a vehicle parked on Bishop Road in Harpersfield Township. Each had been killed by a single gunshot wound to the back of the heads.

When Leider was arrested five days later, authorities said drugs were behind the motive. Leider affirmed that account during his brief answers to Mackey’s questions.

“I owed (Cox) money,” Leider said. “There had been threats.”

When Mackey asked what happened next, Leider’s eyes began to redden, his first display of emotion during the hearing. “I shot him,” he said.

Prosecutor Thomas Sartini said Leider eventually confessed to the crimes. The state was prepared to prove that Cox — “a dealer in drugs” — had fronted drugs to Leider and now wanted payment, Sartini said. A meeting was scheduled at Bishop Road to discuss the situation, Sartini said.

Both men drove to the scene, and Leider — armed with a handgun — climbed into the back seat of Cox’s vehicle, Sartini said. Cox was behind the wheel, while Mehall sat next to him, Sartini said.

At some point during the meeting, Leider felt threatened by Cox, Sartini said.

Mehall was shot only because she was a witness to Cox’s death, Sartini said.

“Is that the way it happened?” Mackey asked Leider.

“Yes,” he replied.

Leider was represented by attorneys James Ingalls and Gregory Meyers. Ingalls said his client knew instantly he had committed “a horrendous crime.”

“He was always remorseful,” Ingalls said.

The entire tragedy was a cautionary tale about prescription drug abuse, Ingalls said. “Prescription drugs are just as bad as any other drug,” he said.

Ingalls said the plea was “an appropriate resolution,” noting Leider will be “sitting in prison the rest of his life.”

After the hearing, Sartini said the deal was struck to help all the families involved begin the healing process.

Sartini said he was struck by the “callousness” of the crimes.

“It was an execution,” he said. “It’s so inexplicable.”

Neither Ingalls nor Meyers were available for comment immediately after the hearing.

More than 60 people, nearly all of them family and friends of the victims, attended the hearing, filling the visitor’s gallery and the jury box. Six people, three from each of the victim’s families, were allowed to read statements before Mackey formally approved the agreement. Many read their remarks through tears and nearly all addressed Leider directly.

Jamie Burgett, Mehall’s sister, remembered Betheny — a nursing and emergency medical technician student — as an “incredibly loyal” person with a “good, true heart.” Some of Burgett’s happy recollections generated smiles and mild chuckles from the audience crowd.

Burgett also referenced Mehall’s young son, Jason, now motherless. The 4-year-old son will now only know his mother from photos and stories told by relatives who still cannot understand “why this happened to such as good person,” she said.

Statements on Cox’s behalf praised him as a great buddy and loving relative. Eric Sturm said Leider was a friend who performed the ultimate betrayal.

“How could you have taken the life of someone you had good times and shared meals?” Sturm said, speaking to the defendant. “We welcomed you into our circle of friends.”

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To Offender's friend wrote:
Thank you. I appreciate the fact that you still see James for the person he was and still is. You're not letting the mistake he made get in the way of that. While yes, what he did was wrong and by rights should be in prison...I still see him as the James I've always known. Getting involved in drugs makes you do stupid things whether you like it or not, big or small. Which is why I am totally against them. This has hurt all 3 families immensely. Each family has a lost a very important person in their lives. This event still remains in my mind to this day and I still always think of James. I know for a fact he was a good person...He just got himself in a mess as did the other 2 involved. My heart goes out to all of them.
April 3, 2013, 3:23 AM

friend??? wrote:
You are not snooping, this is a sight for opinions, I wrote mine you wrote yours. Unfortunately I know more about this than I wish I ever did. Which is why I can say what I did, I guarantee more actual FACTS then you. Friendship is a two way street and greed is a very strong force. I did say I wish it had never happened, should have never happened. Scold all you want, nothing will change the fact of it all. Sad terrible mess! In the end you will continue to have your opinion and I will continue to have mine.
June 19, 2012, 8:38 AM

Tiffany wrote:
I guess this is what I get for snooping. But how dare you even question what kind of friend Cord was! Cord was an amazing person all around. Lets just say that you have a clue what you're talking about. Okay I'll go with that. I'll admit that Cord was also in the wrong. But that didn't give James the right to do what he did. && it certainly doesn't give you the right to judge Cord or Bethy. You should watch what you say about things you know nothing about. Your ignorance might just break somebodys heart.
June 8, 2012, 6:54 PM

friend?? wrote:
I agree that what took place should not have happend, however am tired of reading and hearing the friend angle. Cord was also supposed to be one of james friends. When you have a friend that you see is becoming an addict do you try to help, or do you try to make more money from him? sounds like nobody was a friend in this deal. I feel for all three families in this mess...but drop the how could he to a friend line...how could either one to a friend.
April 21, 2012, 1:05 PM

undisclosed wrote:
When you live the kind of life style that includes drugs guns and such, you are putting yourself in harms way. Live by the sword die by the sword. Thats the chance people take. There was no need for James to do what he did. There is always other options. To execute 2 people, one the dealer the other an innocent 'witness' which was the mother a young child over money being owed is unacceptable. I've read everyones comments. I don't agree with adding your opinion to the story because if the families were to read some of what was added they would be greatly offended and upset. Put yourself in their shoes. How would you feel if that was your brother, sister, Mom, Dad, that was executed on the side of a road. And the person who did it was one of your closest friends....or so you thought.
March 20, 2012, 2:14 AM

Offender's friend wrote:
I have every intention on keeping tabs of this case. While in high school, I remember playing the card game Speed with James Leider every day in wood shop when we weren't able to use the machines. This case had a huge impact on me when I heard about it. I knew that James was involved in drugs, but I also had faith that he could clean up too. I'm saddened that he didn't, but then again, I never said anything to him about it either to place that seed in his mind.
When James gets out of prison, I will be well into my 70's. I have every intention on being there to offer him help when he gets out and I will support him consistently while he attempts to re-introgate himself into this world after so long in prison.
Those of you who think that James is only an animal are the exact reason that he needs people like myself. He needs people that will care and carry him once he gets out because he will get a sneer and a snarl from each and every one of you that say he's nothing but a murderer. He's also a human being. He made a mistake that sadly took the lives of two beautiful young people and also took his own life away from him.
Trust, I understand the hardaches that come from this all. Cord and Bethany should have never died, but in the end, they did. Perhaps God felt it was their time. Either way, everything happens for a reason.
From here, I'm going to be writing to James and giving him a bit of hope besides what his family is giving him right now. I pray that his friends didn't turn their backs on him because of this too.
February 12, 2012, 12:34 PM

lawana wrote:
my baby will be 53 years old and i'll be 78 when this guy gets out of jail, wow, it really makes you think!
September 7, 2011, 10:21 PM

so sorry wrote:
Well, I feel very badly for all families involved, just because a family member chose a path not highly looked upon, does not mean all family members should be looked at in the same light. I knew james from a very young age, and all I can say is shame on you james for becoming the guy you always said you wouldn't be. And my how drugs can truely destroy a person. Were cord and beth in the wrong as well, well, unfortunately they were. Drugs are a horrible thing. You get your 'fix' and then you turn into someone who anyone barely knows. Its heartbreaking to think that little dorky 8th grade boy who always sat next to me on the bus is now labeled as our towns 'killer' all we can do now is say our 'if only's' and 'what ifs' but, no ridicule, no punishment done to james, no matter if its death or 53 years will ever bring back those 2 beautiful people. Think your actions through. What do drugs solve? In this case, not one single thing.
August 3, 2011, 9:54 PM

seriously wrote:
Are you kidding me...who cares if it was over drugs!! If it wasnt for the drugs non of it would have ever happend. A dealer and an addict who owed money...ALL about drugs. And yes i went to school and college.
August 1, 2011, 10:08 PM

miss wrote:
Okay how about this, who care's if cord had to sell vacum's to put himself in school, atleast he was doing what he had to do and paid for his school. what can you say about yourself?..did you even go to school?..you obviously dont know either one of these families to just be running your mouth. and yes there was 3 families in this whole situation, just because james wasn't killed doesn't mean his family was hurt they basically lost him too!..you guys are so sicking to read your comments on here and listen to how you guys can cut people down, who care's if it was over drugs or whatever, there was still a double murder and a killer, and justice had to be served to both families so they all can finally rest there minds and be able to hand things with out the rumors and everything. let all the families get their peace now that they deserve and move on in life and remember their love ones. your not making it any easier on them!
August 1, 2011, 2:15 PM

Interesting.... wrote:
It's very interesting that all these people have opinions and something to say about everything until 'Help' asks for suggestions to help her addicted son. Where's everybody at now?
July 19, 2011, 11:36 AM

Help wrote:
I have a serious concern, and maybe some of you might have some ideas- my son is hooked on prescription drugs, when he doesn't have them he becomes violent. I've begged him to seek help at Glenbeigh or some other institution. I don't want what happened to Cord Cox, Beth Mehall, or James Leider to happen to him. He steals from us, but not others to support his habit. Does anyone have any suggestions????
July 16, 2011, 4:58 AM

D wrote:
For everyone complaining that taxpayers will have to pay for Leider to stay in prison, and how costly it will be, know this: it cost more for capital punishment (due to the lengthy appeals process and such) than it does for a life-sentence. Just be happy justice was served.
July 16, 2011, 1:53 AM

ohio wrote:
james leider is now part of the ohio penal system. he is now housed at the lorain correctional facility in grafton. additionally, you can see his intake picture by going to the ohio offender page, then insert his name. his first parole hearing will be in 2063- how many of you will be even alive when that happens? i know i'll be long gone.
July 15, 2011, 4:57 PM

confused wrote:
where is Nancy grace now! not here to report that the loving completely innocent couple weren,t selling vacuums on that dead end street to put themselves thru school.
July 15, 2011, 4:38 PM

To really wrote:
Yes, absolutely really. in my view murder is murder!!! I won't be a party to a ritualistic killing- absolutely not!!!!
July 15, 2011, 3:53 PM

Taxpayer wrote:
@ S: If it upsets YOU that I am upset about the monetary cost of keeping a prisoner for 53 years....here's an idea!!! YOU foot the bill!! But there is a good chance that you don't even work and probably don't own any property...so YOU don't pay taxes...and hence...could care less about the taxes others pay...
July 15, 2011, 2:00 PM

To inside looking out wrote:
Your request for compassion for the families is certainly an admirable one. But it is misplaced. Families don't have to read these posts. This is a place for the community to make some sense of things and perhaps recognize that 'who you select for friends', the kinds of activities you are engaged in ('playing with fire') and so forth are fodder for discussion. The 'feel good' stuff is what funerals, memorial services and memorial books are for. This is not the place to turn a blind eye. There was no rampant killer on the loose (like was first implied), this was a very typical, predicable killing (all came down to drugs, acquaintances, and owed money). People need to know these truths.
July 15, 2011, 9:50 AM

saddened wrote:
I keep hearing about friends! really. friends who sell drugs to friends? threaten friends? take girl friends on drug deals? and then shoot friends? time to rethink my friends! how about your circle of friends do they have your back?
July 15, 2011, 8:54 AM

Inside looking out wrote:
Wow.... To all, thank youfor praying for Cord's and James' family as well as ours. To all others, I will keep you in our prayers. only god is entitled to judge. 3 lives were wrongfully taken. My heart breaks for EVERYONE involved, as I know how bad it hurts to experience loss. And as for the statements about taxes and Mr. Leider living golden, ask a few prisoners how that actually is. Another thing, if you are going to post negative comments, please keep in mind that all families could see this. Please try to avoid negativity. It really is un necessary. None of the 3 involved families ever thought this would happen. It could happen to any of you as well, as I surely hope it doesn't as some seem to have cold hearts, but speak/write only as you would like to see if this was a loved one of yours. It's the best thing to do. Despite any wrong doing previously done, all involved families deserve to remain positive, and move forward as much as possible. Refraining from publicly posting negative comments towards ALL of the families and/or 3 individuals lost will help and be very sincerely appreciated more than you can imagine.
July 15, 2011, 7:45 AM

whoa random wrote:
you may not be correct- nancy grace said cord sold vacuum cleaners door to door to put himself through nursing school- so there!!!! what a joke
July 15, 2011, 7:34 AM

Really? wrote:
Eagle - what if Cord or Beth had been one of your family members?
July 14, 2011, 4:44 PM

totally agree wrote:
not random told it short and sweet- and yes, i'm sure many are thinking but just don't have the guts to tell it like it is.
July 14, 2011, 2:02 PM

agree wrote:
not random nailed it!!! Here's to you for having the guts to say what i hope many are thinking. Fire burns....if you dont want to get burnt dont mess with it!!!
July 13, 2011, 9:13 PM

Not random wrote:
What people seem to be forgetting is that the lives of 3 families and their friends are forever changed because 3 people were somehow connected to drugs. This was not a random act of violence. There was a drug deal going on. While it seems unkind to say, the truth is Cord was selling prescription drugs. The truth is that Betheny went along with her boyfriend (and it is inconceivable to believe she didn't know what was going on). The truth is that Lieber was buying drugs. The truth is 'if you play with fire you are going to get burned'. My condolences go out to all the families - victims and perpetrator. But this was forseeable. All three made bad decisions and 3 paid, in one way or another, with their life.
July 13, 2011, 3:36 PM

ANNOYED wrote:
To the person talking about discplining their child, they were. Really quickly just a statment, you might want to think before you speak. This is a horrible thing and I do not agree with what happened. However, the parents involved in ALL of these 3 kids lives were good ones. So before you say things like that, use your head. You don't know the parents. I'm sick of people saying things like 'he should have got more'. Listen, he got a life sentence. The 'parole' option is in 53 years. Have you been to a prison? Some do not even make it 5 years in prison. Have some compassion for all three families involved, as they all did not ask for this.
July 13, 2011, 3:23 PM

Sad Times wrote:
Someone wrote that there were two families involved here, that is not true, there is three families that will never be the same again. So so sad, two dead and one in prison for the rest of his life, at 73 I don't look for that young man to make it out of prison. Praying for the parents, family, and friends of all three.
July 13, 2011, 1:06 PM

Joyce wrote:
My prayers go out the all of the families involved in this senseless crime. A child without a mother, a families without a son or daughter. Also the family of the criminal. Because of this sensless act many people are hurting. My prayers are going out for all
July 13, 2011, 10:45 AM

County Line Brian wrote:
So now this trial is over,could We Please get on with the Michelle Knapp case!
July 13, 2011, 7:43 AM

Me wrote:
I am so glad to see justice done in this case. Now if we can just get the court system to move on Michelle Knapp and see justice done in that case. Guess it is all on who you know!!
July 13, 2011, 6:58 AM

David wrote:
I live in Seattle Washingtion but Ashatabula is still home to me.. This case is so tragic for everyone.. This young handsome man will not walk out of that prison until he is 73, that is an amazing thought.. What's more amazing is that Cord and Megan will never be given that opportunity..Very sad for everyone..
July 13, 2011, 2:41 AM

Cheryl wrote:
SAY NO TO DRUGS..once upon a time when a kid misbehaved he got his butt whipped..SAY NO TO DRUGS..this kid would grow up to have respect for his elders..SAY NO TO DRUGS..he wouldn't have control over his parents like today's kids..SAY NO TO DRUGS..he would be scared straight..SAY YES TO DISCIPLINE before it's too late...
July 13, 2011, 1:02 AM

countrygal wrote:
I agree with Nae Nae!! I hate the fact that criminals go to jail and have it better than us. How's that make them pay for their crime. Then need to go back to making these prisoners work. When I went out west I seen prisoners dressed in black and white strips working along the highways. Good for those states, make them work for their room and board, health care and meals. Maybe that's what we should do in Ashtabula county to help with the debt. Because of this crime three families will never be the same. May God bless you all.
July 13, 2011, 12:27 AM

Friend wrote:
The familys hearts will never heal so i dont no how someone can say in this time of healing there is no such thing as healing i think he should get the death penalty he did not only take a daughter or sister but he took a little boys mother my heart goes out to both cord and bethanys familys...
July 12, 2011, 11:51 PM

e wrote:
RIP Beth and Cord! And my thoughts and prayers remain with all the family and friends of all three of these young people. We need to work harder on getting these drugs off the street so that this does not continue to happen.
July 12, 2011, 9:31 PM

paula wrote:
I must say im very glad that this has been put to rest for the family's sake. Im glad to see that they are not going to have to go through months of torture as they already have and their lives will never be the same. They have suffered enough. This young man did a horrbile unforgivable act, but im glad to see that he has a little common sence left.. My prayers are for the family's of all, as 3 lives were lost.. The family of the murderer im sure is going through hell also..Being judged and treated mean for a unforgivable act that thier loved one commited.. Im sure he was not raised this way.. This is what drugs do.. THE MEN THAT NEED TO LOOK IN THE MIRROR ARE THE JUDGES.. STOP LETTING THE DRUG DEALERS WALK AND THIS STUFF WOULD STOP HAPPENING..
I SEE A CERTAIN PERSONS NAME IN THE PAPER OVER AND OVER AGAIN.. HE SHOULD BE LOCKED UP FOR YEARS BUY NOW..COME ON
July 12, 2011, 8:36 PM

loving relative wrote:
it is still hard to believe that she is gone a mere 5 months. So many lives disrupted tore apart never to be the same again. It is hard as a christian for we are to forgive and how hard this is to forgive. maybe in due time and with a lot of Gods help we all can make it. he will spend his life in prison but he still has to stand before God on judgement day. A handsome young boy will never see his mom again. nor will he ever feel his mommys arms around him in a hug or embrace him when he is sick.Nor will he ever hear her call him peanut butter again. so very very sad. he cant even call her on the phone anymore. he looks up to the sky and talks to her. The questions this little boy has as why is his mom in heaven is so hard to answer. No 4 year old should know that his mom was shot in the back of the head. all we can do as family is lean on God for answers and wisdom in raising him. He is truly a blessing from God. My heart bleeds everyday for him as tears run down my cheecks.
July 12, 2011, 7:40 PM

K wrote:
I, at one point knew all 3 individually.There is a lot of good to be said but we cant label all as upstanding citizens. And, I think we can do without the addition of the word 'killer' in all caps. That was a tasteless move, Star Beacon.
July 12, 2011, 6:23 PM

mama wrote:
James family are good people also!!! as were the ones that lost their children . We all loose when it comes to abuse of Drugs !!!!!!!neither of them were doing what they should of been selling drugs will get you and as you see your best friends killed .Pray for all & rest in peace children.
July 12, 2011, 6:14 PM

abc wrote:
Have not read one disrespectful thing on here regarding cox or mehall....do not understand where rebecca is coming from.
July 12, 2011, 5:10 PM

eagle wrote:
I am pleased there was a plea agreement regarding this case. Additionally, murder is murder- you cannot distinguish it from one another. If the state of Ohio would have taken his life it would be legal murder. Fortunately, I believe the families of the deceased showed James Leider mercy although he never showed any toward the victims. We all have our opinions, and I too am a taxpayer who has no problem with Leider spending the rest of his days in prison. I am against taking any life unless protecting ones self and family, and of course in a war zone. Drugs, especially prescription drugs, are an epidemic in Ashtabula County, and for that matter all over the country. Hopefully there can be some lessons learned from this tragedy that someone out there will cease their consuming and or dealing in drugs. Regardless, the legal chapter is closed, but the families and friends of these kids will forever feel some sorrow knowing drug money (Leider) murdered these kids, and sent one to prison for essentially the rest of his life.
July 12, 2011, 5:09 PM

amazed wrote:
Are you kidding me? I cannot believe people. There are families, 3 to be exact, torn apart, and all you can say is ' I knew drugs were involved!' Does it really matter if drugs were involved? This is a murder! You have a family trying to deal with the fact that their son, brother, cousin or uncle commited the crime. And, two families dealing with the loss of a child, brother, sister etc. You have nothing to say to the families, just you knew drugs were involved?!! How cold hearted is that? It does not matter that they were involved. It happened, God bless these people, I hope that one day, God helps your heart heal, and you can breathe a little easier. As far as people going to comment on this tragic situation, think before you write.
July 12, 2011, 5:09 PM

S wrote:
It is very rare to see a murderer, show any type of remorse! It seems sincere. Regardless, his life is going to be hell in prison because he has to live with what he has done and his entire life is ruined. Someone stated that he has free everything now expect freedom and we pay for it as tax payers. That upsets me as well. Two beautiful people gone, and ontop of it a young boy is to blame over drugs. So sad. :-(
July 12, 2011, 4:36 PM

Brian wrote:
James came from a great family who are outstanding ppl in the community. It just goes to show you that addiction is a sick and evil thing. My prayers go out to all 3 families in this tragedy. And remember James has a great brother that turned out on the straight and narrow so no matter the parent anything can happen when drugs are involved.
July 12, 2011, 3:14 PM

Rebecca Newlin Newman wrote:
People making bad comments about the ones whom passed needs to please watch what they because there is 2 families and a 4 year old little boy without his mommy.I was good friends with Betheny and she was a wonderful person.God be with everyone!
July 12, 2011, 3:13 PM

Taxpayer wrote:
Have to agree with NaeNae! I just read that it costs a minimum of $24,000 to keep a prisoner for 1 year. And it can cost upwards of double that amount for a maximum security prisoner! Free balanced meals, free education, free 'room'. Not fair! Considering the state only pays around $5000 to educate each child. It is high time to make some changes to our prison system. These prisoners should be working for their 'room and board'!
July 12, 2011, 2:06 PM

jeff traven wrote:
he shoulda got the death sentenace i knew cord since we were little and did not deserve to die like that especially with his girlfriend
July 12, 2011, 11:55 AM

a wrote:
RIP Betheny and Cord, yu were h amazing people and will be missed always and forever.
July 12, 2011, 11:40 AM

JUSTICE wrote:
Tho I feel he should of got death for his actions, Im just happy he will remain behind bars for the next 53yrs..He will probably never have the taste of freedom again...I hope everyday he will be reminded of his careless act n poor decision he made Feb 17 2011. People need to wake up n see theres a major issue out there..DRUGS! People lose their lives over this crap...its not worth it, not worth starting..SAY NO TO DRUGS n maybe just maybe you wont be one of these heartless people out there killing or hurting others over them!!!...
July 12, 2011, 11:29 AM

NaeNae wrote:
Great!! Now we, the TAXPAYERS, get to support this killer for the rest of his days!! I'm sorry, I have a real problem with this. I, who have never killed ANYBODY, have to WORK to live, pay my bills, have medical and now, this MURDERER, will have 3 meals a day, roof over his head, clothes on his back. He'll probably get a FREE education (which MY own children cannot get) and he'll have FREE medical, dental and eyecare, which I have gone WITHOUT medical care, dental and eyecare...because I can't AFFORD it!
Way to go judicial system! Another one to sit and suck the system dry!
July 12, 2011, 10:18 AM

friend wrote:
i would've taken the bullet for her.
July 12, 2011, 9:50 AM

GENEVA wrote:
THIS IS SUCH A SAD SAD TRAGEDY ALL AROUND. WE NEED TO GET THE DRUGS UNDER CONTROL IN THIS COUNTY WITH OUR CHILDREN.
BLESS ALL THE FAMILIES INVOLVED WITH HEALING.
July 12, 2011, 9:09 AM

Linda wrote:
God bless ALL the families involved.
July 12, 2011, 9:05 AM

DC wrote:
I want Leider's attornies should I ever be charged with murder.
July 12, 2011, 8:24 AM

Strategist wrote:
As horrifically sad as this whole situation is, I'm glad that justice was served. The story came out and the truth has been told. Perhaps this will serve as fair warning to kids out there that dealing in drugs is a game just not worth playing when it turns good friends against each other.
My condolences to all the families.
July 12, 2011, 7:44 AM

Relief wrote:
Great news. Now get the supplier of the prescription pills off the street.
July 11, 2011, 11:05 PM

David wrote:
Now we know the truth. Drugs were indeed involved.
July 11, 2011, 11:00 PM

oiho wrote:
He needs to feel remorseful. Now he will feel remorseful in prison and remember what he's done forever. Feeling sorry doesnt erase it-
July 11, 2011, 9:30 PM