Sidney man pleads to manslaughter in Shelby slaying

UPDATE @ 10:15 p.m. (March 18): Christopher Fitzpatrick, one of two men arrested in a slaying that resulted from an assault at a New Year's Eve party in Shelby County, accepted a plea bargain Wednesday.

Fitzpatrick, 22, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the death of his uncle, David Michael, 33, also of Sidney.

Michael was severely beaten about the head, neck and throat at a residence on Lehman Road near Lockington. As part of the plea agreement, Fitzpatrick must also testify for the state against co- defendant Timothy Spranger Jr., of Piqua, who is charged with murder. Spranger’s trial is to begin March 31.

Sentencing for Fitzpatrick was not immediately set. He could face the maximum of 11 years in prison.

UPDATE @ 4 p.m. (Jan. 6): Shelby county deputies arrested a second person in the death of David Michael.

Christopher Fitzpatrick, 22, was arrested on one count of murder, according to Sheriff John Lenhart.

Fitzpatrick was taken to the Shelby County jail. He is scheduled to be in court tomorrow.

FIRST REPORT (Jan. 1): A Piqua man is jailed in the beating death of a Sidney man at a New Year's Eve party.

Timothy Spranger, 33, was booked into the Shelby County Jail about 9:15 a.m. Thursday on suspicion of murder. He is being held without bond.

Spranger is accused of repeatedly striking 33-year-old David Michael at a party during a fight over a woman on Lehman Road near Sidney. Spranger continued to hit Michael outside as he tried to get away, according to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

Michael was taken just after 1 a.m. Thursday by friends to Wilson Memorial Hospital, where he died a short time later of his injuries, according to the sheriff’s office. Spranger fled the scene and was arrested later this morning in nearby Lockington, the sheriff’s office reported.

He is to appear in court Friday on murder and contempt charges, online jail records show.