Jury Finds Defendants In Hamilton Murder/Arson Case Guilty

BY BONNIE MEIBERS
Miami University journalism student

After three hours of deliberation, the jury in the Hamilton arson/murder case today ruled Lester Parker, 67, and William “Billy” Tucker, 50, guilty.

Butler County Common Pleas Court Judge Greg Stephens then sentenced both men to life in prison with eligibility for parole after 15 years.

Parker and Tucker were accused of starting the fire that killed firefighter Patrick Wolterman, 28, in December 2015. Wolterman entered Parker's burning house to rescue whoever may have been inside, then died after he fell through the first floor into the basement.

Wolterman’s family breathed an audible, collective sigh of relief as Stephens read off jury member’s verdicts. The defendants’ families cried in the back of the courtroom.

“I know this has been a very emotional case,” Stephens said before reading verdicts.

Wolterman’s widow, mother and a Hamilton firefighter spoke to the court before Stephens delivered the sentence to Parker and Tucker. Each spoke about the “Patrick sized-hole” they felt in their lives and asked for the maximum sentence.

“I was 31 when two firefighters came to my door and told me that Patrick had fallen through [the first floor of Parker’s home]. We were not even married seven months,” Wolterman’s widow, Bre, said. “These two men robbed me of my whole future.”

“They have shown no remorse toward us,” Wolterman’s mother, Debbie, added. “The only thing they’re sorry for is that they got caught.”

Parker’s defense attorney, David Washington, said he and his client were “obviously” disappointed with the verdict.

“It’s a difficult day for the family. [Parker] is 67 years old. By the time he is eligible for parole he will be 82 years old,” Washington said.

The defendants indicated they would appeal the verdict.

Hamilton Fire Chief Steve Dawson thanked Butler County Prosecutor Michael Gmoser and grieved with the family after the sentence was handed down.

“Remember his family,” Dawson said. “And remember the pain they suffered on account of this crime.”

Gmoser embraced several family members and firefighters after the trial.

“It’s not over for the family, I know that,” Gmoser said.

The trial in the Butler County Government Services building began Nov. 6. The jury began its deliberations late Tuesday afternoon before reaching its verdict Wednesday morning.

Prosecutors said Parker had Tucker start the fire in his home for insurance money, then paid his nephew off with pills.

Top photo: Judge Greg Stephens reads the verdicts and sentences to Lester Parker, 67, and William "Billy" Tucker, 50. -- Photo by Bonnie Meibers