OTTAWA — Roger Shaw of Wellsville has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for killing Ottawa motorcyclist Aaron Kichler, 21, last year near Wellsville. Earlier, a Franklin County jury found Shaw guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol when he collided with Kichler in July 2009. However, Franklin County District Judge Thomas Sachse didn’t give Shaw the maximum sentence Monday. Sachse said there was enough evidence presented by Shaw’s attorney to show that Kichler could have been riding his motorcycle at a high rate of speed and that it could have contributed to the accident. And Shaw hasn’t had a DUI conviction in 12 years, Sachse said. Shaw also got credit for time he’s served in the Franklin County. Brother Adam Kichler said he was surprised by the reduction, saying that the jury chose not to consider the question of speed during their deliberations. Dennis Kichler, Aaron Kichler’s father, said he thought the sentence was appropriate and expressed his gratitude for the community’s support.
Monday, Dec. 13
