BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Third District of Appeals issued its decision Monday on the appeal of the conviction of Jacqueline Montgomery.
Prosecutors contended that Montgomery aided and abetted in the murder of Michael “Mikey” Benedict and instigated her husband and her friend to beat Benedict to death because he (Benedict) hit her in the face at the Just Jokin’ Bar on October 10, 2021.
Montgomery is currently incarcerated at the Ohio Reformatory for Women, serving a life sentence for her part in the murder of Benedict.
According to the Appeals Court, the evidence supported a conclusion that Jackie had, at the least, supported, assisted, encouraged, cooperated with, or incited Montgomery and Davis and their assault on Benedict and shared in Tim and Davis’ criminal intent, setting aside the evidence that Jackie actually hit Benedict.
The evidence demonstrated she supported Tim and Davis and causing serious physical harm to Benedict and had a reason for taking revenge on Benedict. This is evidence from the statement she made that Benedict deserved it and wanting to finish him.
The Court concluded:
“Based on the reasons provided above, the appellant’s arguments are dismissed as we have not found any errors that would have negatively impacted the appellant’s case. Therefore, we uphold the judgment of the Crawford County Common Pleas Court.”
Attorney William Cramer handled the appeal for Montgomery. Assistant Prosecutor Dan Stanley represented the State. The case was presided over by Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold.
According to the prison website Montgomery will be eligible to apply for parole in October of 2036.