Butler County's youngest murder defendant free over attorney errors

Butler County Juvenile Court Judge Ronald Craft sentenced Bucio to spend his adolescent years in the Ohio Department of Youth Services, meaning he would be released on his 21st birthday.

He also was classified as a “serious youthful offender” that placed an adult sentence over his head if he had further violations while in juvenile detention or if he reoffended when released.

But Monday, per a decision handed down by a federal court in Cincinnati, Bucio was permitted to enter a guilty plea to a lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter and a reduced degree of child endangering.

The court decision stated defense attorney Brad Carmella erred when he failed to present a plea offer from the prosecution and failed to hire an expert to investigate the cause of death. The judges also ruled statements Bucio made to Hamilton police Detective Mark Hayes should have been suppressed.

It was enough to send the case back for retrial or to allow Bucio to accept the plea agreement.

Attorney Jill Beeler, of the Ohio Public Defender’s Office, said “George” chose the plea.

“In this case, adjudication for involuntary manslaughter was appropriate. This was not a purposeful killing. It is much more of a tragedy that he (Bucio) was a part of,” Beeler said. She added she wished the decision had come much sooner, because Bucio would have been sentenced to 18 months in the juvenile detention facility.

“It is some sort of redemption for him,” Beeler said. “The murder conviction was hurtful and harmful to him. This is recognition that it was an involuntary act.”

While behind bars, Bucio graduated from high school and acquired an electrical wiring certificate. He worked on community projects, including construction at a church and in playgrounds.

“He was an ideal youth,” Beeler said.

Ohio Department of Youth Services recommended his release, Craft noted before setting the young man free, according to court personnel. He flew to Florida last night where he plans to live with relatives.

Carmella could not be reached Tuesday for comment.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2168 or lpack@coxohio.com.