OTTAWA — Brandon Ellsmore pleaded guilty this afternoon in a plea deal to reckless aggravated battery in the death of Paul Nicholson last July. Ellsmore testified against John Balbirnie during his murder trial last week. A Franklin County jury found Balbirnie guilty of second-degree murder for stabbing Nicholson. Earlier, Ellsmore confessed to also stabbing Nicholson. Ellsmore’s sentencing will be June 6. County Attorney Heather Jones said the deal calls for Ellsmore to spend 40 months in prison. However, she said that a judge isn’t bound by the deal. Sentencing for Balbirnie will be May 9.
Monday, April 18, 4 p.m.
