CANTON, Ohio — William Dolch, who was arrested after his 7-year-old son died in a shooting at a Knights Inn in Stark County earlier this year, has now pleaded guilty to reduced charges in the case.
A court official tells 3News Dolch pleaded guilty Monday to charges of child endangerment, tampering with evidence and having weapons under disability. He was initially indicted for reckless homicide.
Dolch's guilty plea came on the same day his trial was scheduled to start.
DETAILS OF THE CASE
Dolch, of Akron, was arrested in the 2700 block of 8th Street NW in Canton hours after the deadly June 21 shooting.
The Stark County Sheriff’s Office says it was around 1 a.m. when deputies responded to the scene at the Knights Inn, which is located in the 3900 block of Convenience Circle NW in Plain Township.
Authorities also arrested 29-year-old Brittany Franko, of Canton. She was indicted for obstructing official business.
In a 911 call after the incident, Franko had identified the victim as her son.
"I was just sitting here, we were folding a blanket and then he was standing and getting ready to brush his teeth for the night,” according to the 911 call. “I don't what happened, I don't know where it came from or anything.”
The boy was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died.
“This was a tragic incident that affects the entire community,” said Stark County Sheriff George T. Maier. “I commend our Deputies, Marshalls with the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force and other community partners for working together to quickly identify and charge those responsible.”
Court records show Franko is set for a final pretrial hearing on Nov. 20 at 8:30 a.m.
A third person who was charged in the case -- Joseph King -- was sentenced to probation and community service after pleading guilty in September to tampering with evidence.
