A 16-year-old boy pleaded guilty and was sentenced Tuesday for his role in the murder of Milan resident Nancy Hershman.
Sean David Nichols, of Colerain Township, Ohio, admitted to Burglary of a Dwelling Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, a class A felony. Other charges against the teen were dropped as part of the plea agreement.
Although Nichols was 15 years of age when the crime occurred, he was waived to adult court last March.
On Tuesday, Nichols was sentenced to 50 years in prison with 20 years suspended, by Ripley County Judge Carl Taul. With good behavior while incarcerated, Nichols could be eligible for parole in fifteen years.
As part of his plea deal, the teen will have to testify against two other defendants that have alleged involvement in the case.
Authorities arrested Nichols, 23-year-old Allison Moore, and 17-year-old Daniel Hodge last January for the death of Hershman. The Milan woman was gunned down in an apparent robbery in late December 2012.
According to testimony, Nichols indicated that Moore shot Hershman.
The two defendants are currently in custody and are awaiting their trials, which Moore’s is scheduled for March 31 and Hodge is set to appear in court on July 7.
The death of Hershman sent shockwaves through the community and beyond. The 68-year-old had been a school bus driver, worked with special needs students, served as an emergency medical technician and was active in church.
