180 days in jail for helping to remove body after accidental shooting
NEW PHILADELPHIA – A man who helped dispose of a friend’s body after he was accidentally shot will serve 180 days in jail for tampering with evidence and aggravated abuse of a corpse.
Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Judge Michael J. Earnest on Friday ordered Michael P. Reynolds, 37, was sentenced The sentence included two years of probation. The judge reserved a possible prison sentence of up to four years, which he could order Reynolds if he violates the terms of his probation.
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Three people have been charged with:Dalbert ‘Dale’ Sanders charged with involuntary manslaughter in man’s shooting death
Reynolds, a Urichsville resident, was one of three people charged in the May accidental shooting death of John Q. Bashline II, 37, of Powhatan Point.
What happened to John Bashline?
Dalbert W. “Dale” Sanders Serving eight years in prison for involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide, use of a weapon while intoxicated, grave abuse of a corpse and three counts of tampering with evidence.
Sanders shot Bashline while quickly practicing drawing a gun after a night of drinking at a home on Feed Springs Road in Mill Township.
Law enforcement and prosecutors said Sanders told the two criminals to get into the back of the victim’s car. They drove to a location a block away from Twin Cities Medical Center in Denison, where they dropped him off. He was found dead shortly after the shooting on May 15.
Reynolds’ nephew, Dominic A. Reynolds, 27, is scheduled to be sentenced March 21 for tampering with evidence and aggravated abuse of a corpse.
Accused speaking in court
Given the opportunity to speak for himself, Michael Reynolds said he wishes he could go back in time and not do what he did.
County Prosecutor Ryan D. Styer said Michael Reynolds was caught up in Sanders’ scheme. He said the three criminals were pretty sure after the shooting that Bashline would not survive or was already dead.
He said Michael Reynolds obeyed Sanders because he feared him. Sanders was convicted of weapons offenses, intimidation, threats and was the subject of a protection order at the time of the shooting.
Michael Reynolds’ aunt, Cindy Gray, and sister-in-law, Tiffany Reynolds, agreed that Sanders’ fear was a factor in his actions. Cindy said other family members could be in danger.
Tiffany Reynolds described Michael as a family favorite who could always make everyone laugh, and was the person people would call when they needed help. She said her brother-in-law is a stay-at-home dad to her four children.
Styer said Bashline was a big part of her mother Melissa Dixon’s life, as she lived with and cared for her.
Defense attorney Travis Collins said his client should have called 911 after the shooting, but said he was probably in shock after it happened.
Earnest said alcohol fueled all the behavior on the night of the shooting.
Contact Nancy at 330-364-8402 or [email protected]
On Twitter: @nmolnarTR
This article originally appeared in The Times-Reporter: Judge Michael J. Earnest reserved a possible four-year prison term
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