Delphos-area man gets 15 years to life for murder

7/20/2006

VAN WERT, Ohio A Delphos-area man convicted in the murder of his wife has been sentenced by a Van Wert County Common Pleas judge to 15 years to life in prison.

John P. Gaddy pleaded no contest July 12 to murder. He admitted bludgeoning his wife, Laura, 46, with a hammer, crushing her scalp, cutting her throat, and stabbing her at least three times in their home Oct. 5.

At his sentencing Tuesday, Gaddy said he was sorry for causing a lot of emotion and hard feelings. He blamed his actions on the hepatitis treatment plan I was on at the time.

Jim Brazen, the victim s brother, told Gaddy, No matter what the reason is, it does not justify what you done. We have lost a sister, a niece, a cousin, a best friend, and a mother. For this I have no sympathy for what you are going through now, or in the future.