Bowling Green man admits role in shooting

1/6/2005

BOWLING GREEN A Bowling Green man charged with shooting a woman in the eye with a pellet gun pleaded guilty yesterday to a reduced felony count.

Derek Justice, 20, admitted his role in the July, 2003, wounding of Elisabeth Roller, 20, of Grand Rapids. He had been indicted for felonious assault by a Wood County grand jury in April, but pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, a third-degree felony.

Common Pleas Judge Reeve Kelsey scheduled sentencing for Feb. 28.

Ms. Roller initially told police the shooting was accidental, but in February said Mr. Justice had purposely fired the gun but threatened her if she told police. She lost sight in her right eye.