Krieg Butler, an Ohio man, will finally face legal repercussions in relation to the tragic shooting death of 13-year-old Sinzae Reed in the fall of 2022. However, the charges brought against Butler do not directly address the killing itself but instead pertain to firearms offenses that contributed to the boy’s death.
Initially arrested a day after the incident, Butler was charged with murder after a witness reported seeing him shoot and kill Sinzae Reed. Despite being held on a $1 million bond, Butler was released from jail eight days later when the grand jury failed to indict him on murder charges.
Expressing her disappointment with the grand jury decision, Sinzae’s mother, Megan Reed, stated that the family would not be deterred in their pursuit of justice. They intend to seek federal intervention, believing that local authorities are prioritizing less significant charges due to the governor’s implementation of “Stand Your Ground” legislation without adequate legal guidance.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed the “Stand Your Ground” bill into law in January 2021, eliminating the “duty to retreat” requirement before individuals can use lethal force in self-defense. This controversial measure was attached to a bill that grants civil immunity for deaths or injuries caused by handguns.
On Sunday, May 21, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office arrested Butler following his indictment on charges of improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle and tampering with evidence related to Sinzae Reed’s shooting death in Columbus on October 12, 2022.
The firearms charge carries a potential prison sentence of six to 18 months and a possible fine of $5,000. If found guilty of tampering with evidence, Butler could face up to 36 months in prison and a potential fine of up to $10,000.
In a demonstration demanding justice for Sinzae, over 100 protestors gathered at the Ohio Statehouse in downtown Columbus on Saturday, May 20.
According to a spokesperson from the Columbus Division of Police, the investigation into the shooting has officially concluded, as reported by local station WCMH.
