An Athens County Common Pleas Court Judge granted a disposition of property request Monday, allowing a man’s broken-hearted mother to hold on to his belongings.
Keith “P.J.” Rutter, a “loving son and father,” according to his mother, Nannette Justus, was shot dead on June 20 by Randy Richmond, 39, of Glouster.
The Athens County Sheriff Pat Kelly’s Office was authorized to release Rutter’s bandana, lighter, keychain, knife sheath, can opener, clothes hanger, screw driver and Samsung cell phone, according to court documents.
Rutter’s belongings are now in Justus’ possession.
Although Justus described her son as loving and caring, she also admitted that he was a notorious burglar who struggled with drug addiction after losing his father.
“I want the public to know that P.J. was no monster and would never intentionally hurt anyone,” she said. “P.J. was always a happy, loving person when he wasn’t on drugs. He enjoyed life, his family (and) helping others.”
Richmond’s trial sparked debate between Kelly and Athens County Prosecutor
Keller Blackburn over whether or not a man should be punished for killing in self-defense.
Blackburn, in a previous Post article, said this case would not set new legal precedent in Athens County for claims of self-defense, but stopped short of further explanation.
Richmond pleaded no contest to negligent homicide, a first-degree misdemeanor and reckless homicide, a third degree felony, distressing his family members.
Richmond said that he never meant to kill Rutter; he just noticed an armed burglar fleeing from his mother-in-law’s home and fired shots from his .22 caliber rifle to scare him off and protect his family, according to court documents.
“It is not self-defense because the defendant had a duty to retreat,” Blackburn said, but also noted that it is “clear ... Rutter had an extensive substance abuse problem and was responsible for many burglaries.”
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