Man, who previous pleaded insanity, pleads guilty in Fairfield murder

A Cincinnati man, who was scheduled to go to trial Monday for murder in an April 2016 Fairfield shooting, has pleaded guilty to several charges.

Adam Armstrong, 28, shot and killed Sylvester T. Gibson Sears, a 27-year-old from Chicago, according to prosecutors. He also shot Cedric D. Moore, 33, of Cincinnati, in the area of Nilles and Winton roads on April 19, according to facts of the case.

MORE: Court date set for man charged in Fairfield homicide

A Butler County grand jury indicted Armstrong for murder, attempted murder, felonious assault, having weapons under disability and tampering with evidence.

On July 27, Armstrong pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter with a guns specification, felonious assault with a gun specification and having weapons under disability. He faces a total of 28 years in prison.

Common Pleas Judge Jennifer McElfresh has set sentencing for Sept. 7.

In September, Armstrong was declared incompetent to stand trial by McElfresh after a forensic psychological evaluation.

Armstrong was ordered to undergo treatment at Summit Behavioral Healthcare. In February, the court found Armstrong had been restored to competency.

Defense attorneys then entered a not guilty by reason of insanity plea on their client’s behalf, but that plea was later withdrawn.

About the Author