COLUMBUS, Ohio – A man from Columbus has been sentenced to 10 to 13 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter in connection with the fatal shooting of a 21-year-old individual. Nicholas Kesterson, 23, received his sentence at the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas following the incident that occurred in February 2023.
The tragedy unfolded on February 18, 2023, when authorities responded to reports of a gunshot victim in the 1000 block of North Ninth Street around 4:30 a.m. James Shearer, 21, was found with a gunshot wound and was tragically pronounced dead at the scene just 20 minutes later.
Following the shooting, a vehicle involved in the incident attempted to flee the scene but ended up crashing into two parked cars and a fire hydrant in the 900 block of East 11th Avenue. Subsequently, two individuals from the vehicle were apprehended after trying to evade law enforcement.
Nicholas Kesterson, identified as the driver of the getaway car, was taken into custody and charged with murder. Law enforcement’s investigation revealed that Kesterson had engaged in a dispute with James Shearer that culminated in the fatal shooting.
In a plea deal, Kesterson admitted guilt to involuntary manslaughter along with a three-year firearm specification. The sentencing marks the conclusion to a tragic incident that has left a family grieving the loss of their loved one.
This case serves as a reminder of the consequences of violence and the impact it can have on families and communities. It highlights the importance of conflict resolution and the devastating outcomes that can result from disputes escalating to deadly levels. The sentencing of Kesterson also underscores the justice system’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions in accordance with the law.